[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 6779]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 6779]]

  RECOGNIZING CINCO DE MAYO AND WELCOMING THE INLAND EMPIRE MARIACHI 
                       YOUTH GROUP TO WASHINGTON

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, this week is Cinco de Mayo week, a time to 
celebrate the tremendous courage and bravery of Mexican Americans. I 
have introduced House Concurrent Resolution 313. This resolution calls 
for a presidential proclamation to recognize the struggle of Mexican 
American people as we celebrate this holiday.
  The Mexican American people have fought against great odds for their 
freedom. Cinco de Mayo is indeed a great day to be filled with 
celebration, symbolism, and remembrance. It is about culture, 
tradition, heritage, and pride. It marks the victory of the Mexican 
Army over the French at the Battle of Pueblo. Many of us come from 
different places, but we share a common bond: we are united and proud 
Mexican Americans.
  I would also like to salute the students from the Inland Empire 
Mariachi Youth Education Foundation of Southern California, who have 
been performing this week in our Nation's capital. My daughter, 
Jennifer Baca, is one of those performing and exposing individuals to 
this culture, tradition and heritage as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It 
represents a dream come true for many of these students.
  This Friday we will remember Cinco de Mayo. It is an important day in 
the history of Mexico and California.

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