[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 68 (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CINCO DE MAYO

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 4, 2009

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a 
day that represents freedom, liberty and determination for the people 
of Mexico and Mexican Americans.
  H. Res. 230, a resolution introduced by my friend Congressman Joe 
Baca, recognizes the historical significance of the Mexican holiday of 
Cinco de Mayo, a day on which we celebrate the Mexican army's unlikely 
victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. 
While the Mexicans were outnumbered, they defeated a well-equipped 
French Army that had been undefeated for almost 50 years. The holiday 
of Cinco de Mayo is mainly a regional celebration in Mexico, while for 
Mexican Americans it represents heritage and pride.
  Hispanics are the fastest growing minority community in our Nation. 
In 2007, the Hispanic population in the United States reached over 45 
million, 13.2 million of whom live in California, and it continues to 
rise. Hispanics now own a record number of small businesses, creating 
millions of jobs across our country.
  This Cinco de Mayo, let us thank the members of our Latino community 
for their important contributions to American culture and society. 
Please join me in celebrating Cinco de Mayo and appreciating the 
values, traditions, and contributions of Mexican Americans.

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