[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8763-8764]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       CELEBRATING CINCO DE MAYO

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2005

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, today Mexican American 
communities

[[Page 8764]]

throughout America are celebrating Cinco de Mayo, and I want to take 
this opportunity to join in commemorating this important day in 
Mexico's history. Today marks the triumphant victory of the Mexican 
Army over the French that led to Mexico's self-rule. It is a day that 
symbolizes Mexican unity and patriotism, and is a time of joy and 
national pride.
  The United States and Mexico have a long history of friendship and 
economic partnership. Today, there are more than 25 million men and 
women of Mexican American origin who call America home. Mexican 
Americans have made great contributions to our nation.
  They are our small business owners creating jobs for our communities, 
teachers and other professionals. Mexican Americans are government 
leaders, and today, there are eighteen Mexican American Members of 
Congress.
  Mexican American culture has been deeply interwoven into the fabric 
of daily American life and is part of the American experience. Their 
contributions have made us a stronger and more vibrant nation. Mexican 
Americans have served in the Armed Forces defending our country and our 
freedom. In fact, today, more than 8,700 men and women born in Mexico 
now wear the United States military uniform.
  The United States and Mexico are neighbors united by the common 
interests of security, prosperity and friendship. As we move forward in 
the 21st Century, we will continue working together with respect and 
commitment to our mutual goals.
  So to my Mexican American constituents and colleagues, I extend my 
warmest tribute in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

                          ____________________