[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 76 (Thursday, May 4, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 196--RECOGNIZING THE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL 
               SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CINCO DE MAYO HOLIDAY

  Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and Mr. Cornyn) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 196

       Whereas May 5, or ``Cinco de Mayo'' in Spanish, is 
     celebrated each year as a date of importance by Mexican and 
     Mexican-American communities;
       Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates May 5, 1862, 
     the date on which Mexicans defeated the French at the Battle 
     of Puebla, 1 of the many battles that the Mexican people won 
     in their long and brave fight for independence, freedom, and 
     democracy;
       Whereas the victory of Mexico over France at the Battle of 
     Puebla represented a historic triumph for the Mexican 
     government during the Franco-Mexican war, fought between 1861 
     and 1867, and bolstered the resistance movement;
       Whereas the success of Mexico at the Battle of Puebla 
     reinvigorated the spirits of the Mexican people and provided 
     a renewed sense of unity and strength;
       Whereas the French army, which had not experienced defeat 
     against any of the finest troops of Europe in more than half 
     a century, sustained a disastrous loss at the hands of an 
     outnumbered and ill-equipped, but highly spirited and 
     courageous, Mexican army;
       Whereas the courageous spirit that Mexican General Ignacio 
     Zaragoza and his men displayed during the historic Battle of 
     Puebla can never be forgotten;
       Whereas, in a larger sense, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the 
     right of a free people to self-determination, just as Benito 
     Juarez, the president of Mexico during the Battle of Puebla, 
     once said, ``El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz'', meaning 
     ``respect for the rights of others is peace'';
       Whereas the sacrifice of Mexican fighters was instrumental 
     in keeping Mexico from falling under European domination 
     while, in the United States, the Union Army battled 
     Confederate forces in the Civil War; and
       Whereas Cinco de Mayo--
       (1) serves as a reminder that the foundation of the United 
     States was built by people from many countries and diverse 
     cultures who were willing to fight and die for freedom;
       (2) serves as a reminder of the close ties between the 
     people of Mexico and the people of the United States;
       (3) encourages the celebration of a legacy of strong 
     leaders and a sense of vibrancy in communities; and
       (4) serves as a reminder to provide more opportunity for 
     future generations: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the historic struggle of the people of 
     Mexico for independence and freedom, which Cinco de Mayo 
     commemorates; and
       (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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