[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 65 (Friday, May 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF GOLIAD, TEXAS AND CINCO DE MAYO

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 1, 2015

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the upcoming 153rd 
anniversary of Cinco de Mayo. In May I will join my constituents in 
Goliad, Texas, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The holiday has come to 
represent a day of celebration of Mexican culture around the world.
   Goliad, Texas is the birthplace of the young Mexican general, and 
the hero of Cinco de Mayo--Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza. He initially 
studied for priesthood, yet took up arms in defense of his country when 
Mexico slid into the War of the Reform. As the conflict came to a close 
in the late 1850s, General Zaragoza joined federalist troops with the 
legendary Benito Juarez and fought in numerous battles, including the 
Battle of Calpulalpan, which ended the War of the Reform. His strategic 
acumen in those four years led to his rapid promotion to general.
   After the war, Mexico's European debt suffocated the economy, 
forcing then Mexican President Benito Juarez to declare a moratorium on 
debt payments. In retaliation, Spain, England, and France sent their 
fleets and forced the surrender of Veracruz, Mexico. President Juarez 
sent one of his generals to Veracruz in response. When that general 
observed the forces of the great European powers displayed in front of 
Veracruz, he resigned. President Juarez turned to General Zaragoza to 
lead the fight.
   The Spanish and English withdrew their forces after negotiations 
with President Juarez, but the French army, arguably the best during 
that time, marched on to Mexico City. The intent was to conquer Mexico, 
join forces with the Confederate Army, and attack the Union. However, 
General Zaragoza stopped this invasion, in Puebla, Mexico.
   The Battle of Puebla lasted most of May 5, 1862. Despite a severe 
imbalance in forces, the Mexican army held. General Zaragoza was lauded 
on his return. Later, while visiting his own sick troops, he contracted 
typhoid fever and died on September 8, 1862, at the young age of 33. He 
was honored with a state funeral, and three days later, President 
Benito Juarez declared May 5, or Cinco de Mayo, a national holiday.
   Citizens of Goliad maintain a rich cultural heritage, and are 
fiercely proud of their legacy. Today, festivities center around 
Zaragoza Plaza, which is located adjacent to the birthplace of Ignacio 
Seguin Zaragoza. The Texas Legislature has designated this beautiful 
plaza as the official celebration site for Cinco de Mayo so that future 
generations may understand its historical significance.

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