[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING CINCO DE MAYO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 5, 2015

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the holiday 
of Cinco de Mayo commemorating the victory of the Mexican Army 1862 
over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.
  Certain of Victory, 6,000 French troops led by General Charles 
Latrille de Lorencez attacked the city of Puebla de Los Angeles, but 
the 2,000 Mexican soldiers led by the Texas-born General Zaragoza 
defeated the French with 100 casualties as opposed to the 500 soldiers 
lost by the French.
  Cinco de Mayo has evolved in the United States into a celebration of 
Mexican culture and heritage.
  Different traditions surrounding Cinco de Mayo include parades, 
mariachi music performances, and street festivals and the serving of 
foods such as tacos and mole poblano; specifically in areas with a 
large Mexican-American population.
  Houston, Texas, along with Los Angeles, and Chicago are home to the 
largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the nation.
  As of March 2014, Latinos made up 38.2% of the Texas population, so 
it is very important to recognize and celebrate their culture.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in the recognition of 
Cinco de Mayo and celebrate Mexican culture as well as the victory at 
the Battle of Pueblo.

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