[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 11744-11746]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MEXICAN HOLIDAY OF CINCO DE 
                                  MAYO

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 44) recognizing the 
historical significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                             H. Con. Res 44

       Whereas May 5, or Cinco de Mayo in Spanish, is celebrated 
     each year as a date of great importance by the Mexican and 
     Mexican-American communities;
       Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates May 5, 1862, 
     the date on which the Battle of Puebla was fought by Mexicans 
     who were struggling for their independence and freedom;
       Whereas Cinco de Mayo has become one of Mexico's most 
     famous national holidays and is celebrated annually by nearly 
     all Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, north and south of the 
     United States-Mexico border;
       Whereas the Battle of Puebla was but one of the many 
     battles that the courageous Mexican people won in their long 
     and brave struggle for independence and freedom;
       Whereas the French, confident that their battle-seasoned 
     troops were far superior to the almost amateurish Mexican 
     forces, expected little or no opposition from the Mexican 
     army;
       Whereas the French army, which had not experienced defeat 
     against any of Europe's finest troops in over half a century, 
     sustained a disastrous loss at the hands of an outnumbered, 
     ill-equipped, and ragged, but highly spirited and courageous, 
     Mexican force;
       Whereas after three bloody assaults upon Puebla in which 
     over a thousand gallant Frenchmen lost their lives, the 
     French troops were finally defeated and driven back by the 
     outnumbered Mexican troops;
       Whereas the courageous and heroic spirit that Mexican 
     General Zaragoza and his men displayed during this historic 
     battle can never be forgotten;
       Whereas many brave Mexicans willingly gave their lives for 
     the causes of justice and freedom in the Battle of Puebla on 
     Cinco de Mayo;
       Whereas the sacrifice of the Mexican fighters was 
     instrumental in keeping Mexico from falling under European 
     domination;
       Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday is not only the 
     commemoration of the rout of the French troops at the town of 
     Puebla in Mexico, but is also a celebration of the virtues of 
     individual courage and patriotism of all Mexicans and 
     Mexican-Americans who have fought for freedom and 
     independence against foreign aggressors;
       Whereas Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder that the 
     foundation of the United States is built by people from many 
     nations and diverse cultures who are willing to fight and die 
     for freedom;
       Whereas Cinco de Mayo also serves as a reminder of the 
     close spiritual and economic ties between the people of 
     Mexico and the people of the United States, and is especially 
     important for the people of the southwestern States where 
     millions of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans make their homes;
       Whereas in a larger sense Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the 
     right of a free people to self-determination, just as Benito 
     Juarez once said, ``El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz'' 
     (``The respect of other people's rights is peace''); and
       Whereas many people celebrate during the entire week in 
     which Cinco de Mayo falls: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),  That Congress recognizes the historical 
     struggle for independence and freedom of the Mexican people 
     and requests the President to issue a proclamation 
     recognizing that struggle and calling upon the people of the 
     United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate 
     ceremonies and activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks and include extraneous material on the concurrent 
resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen)?
  There was no objection.

[[Page 11745]]


  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Baca), and I commend the gentleman from 
Illinois (Chairman Hyde) for helping to bring this measure to the floor 
of the House today.
  The Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates May 5, 1862, the date on which 
the battle of Puebla was fought by the Mexicans against an invasion of 
their country by France. Led by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza 
Seguin, a lightly armed group of Mexican patriots, estimated at 4,500 
men, was able to stop and defeat a well-outfitted French army of 6,500 
soldiers. Although President Abraham Lincoln was sympathetic to 
Mexico's cause, the U.S. was fighting our Civil War and was unable to 
provide any direct assistance. After the Civil War ended, however, the 
U.S. began to provide more political and military assistance to Mexico, 
which finally succeeded in expelling the French in 1867.
  Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the 
Mexico-U.S. border and in parts of the U.S. where Americans of Mexican 
heritage live. This holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, food, 
music, and customs unique to Mexico.
  Increasingly, people across our country are joining our countrymen of 
Mexican descent in celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Not unlike St. Patrick's 
Day, which has become a popular celebration of Irish heritage, Cinco de 
Mayo is a day in which we can all join in celebrating Mexican heritage.
  It is very fitting that Congress here in the United States should 
approve this measure. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
resolution which recognizes the historical significance of the Mexican 
holiday of Cinco de Mayo.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and first 
want to commend the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), my good 
friend and colleague, and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) for expediting the consideration of this resolution both 
through the committee and onto the floor of the House. I also applaud 
the author of the resolution, my neighbor, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Baca) who is the first vice chairman of the 
Congressional Hispanic Caucus, for his leadership on issues which 
affect our friends and neighbors of Hispanic descent.
  Madam Speaker, the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates the May 5, 
1862, victory of an ill-equipped and vastly outnumbered Mexican army 
under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza over Napoleon III's 
regiments at the Battle of Puebla. Although Napoleon III eventually 
installed Archduke Maximilian of Austria as a puppet regent over 
Mexico, the triumph of the Mexican people over the French in this 
battle has come to symbolize the fight for freedom and justice, not 
only in Mexico, but throughout the entire western hemisphere.
  To many of us, and particularly along the border with Mexico, this 
holiday is mostly expressed through the enjoyment of Mexican and 
Mexican-American culture, music, food, and customs.
  Cinco de Mayo celebrations are also well-deserved tributes to the 
many contributions that Mexicans and Mexican-Americans have made and 
continue to make in the world and across our Nation.
  It is a time to take pride in these significant achievements as well 
as the continuing dedication to the patria of thousands of Hispanic men 
and women in uniform.
  Finally, Madam Speaker, Cinco de Mayo reminds us that our Mexican-
American neighbors strive, as we all do, to live a life filled with 
faith, family, and the hope of sharing in a stronger America and a 
freer world.
  Madam Speaker, as we commemorate the defeat of French colonial 
oppression by an unrelenting, passionate, and brave band of brothers 
some 150 years ago, our resolve to stand shoulder to shoulder with the 
fighters for democracy today around the globe must never waiver.
  In our own hemisphere, our dedication to democratic institutions and 
processes as well as the rule of law is being challenged from the 
streets of Ecuador to the hills of Bolivia to the presidential palace 
of Venezuela. We must not, we cannot, fail to take up the banner of 
freedom against the increasingly authoritarian regimes.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 44.
  Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), a distinguished member of the 
Committee on International Relations.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I certainly would like to extend my 
appreciation and gratitude to our senior ranking member, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Lantos), for allowing me this opportunity to share 
some thoughts concerning this important resolution. I certainly also 
want to thank our chairman of the Committee on International Relations, 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), for his support and leadership 
and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for her management 
of this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 44, 
recognizing the historical significance of the Mexican holiday well 
known as Cinco de Mayo. I commend my colleague, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Baca), for introducing this legislation certainly as a 
tribute in his capacity as vice chairman of the Hispanic Congressional 
Caucus.
  This resolution recognizes the significance of Cinco de Mayo, as it 
truly does serve as a reminder that the United States is a country 
built by people of many nations and diverse cultures who are willing to 
fight and die for freedom. To truly appreciate the importance of this 
holiday to the good people of Mexico, we can compare it to the level of 
importance we place when our own Nation was divided on the issue of 
slavery, hence the Civil War. In the same way, Cinco de Mayo 
commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, fought by the Mexican 
people against a transferred ruler by the name of Maximilian from 
Austria.
  Madam Speaker, I want to especially share with my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives the life and history of a leader who, in my 
humble opinion, is the greatest hero in Mexico's history, a true 
statesman, whose name is inextricably linked with the name Cinco de 
Mayo.

                              {time}  1445

  His name is Don Benito Juarez, president of Mexico from 1861 to 1863 
and 1867 to 1872. President Juarez led the Mexican people in their 
fight for independence during this crucial period of their history.
  Unbeknownst to many of our fellow Americans, President Juarez was the 
first Mexican president of indigenous Indian descent. His parents were 
members of the Zapotec tribe prevalent in the province or state of 
Oaxaca in Mexico. When he went to Oaxaca City at the age of 13, he 
could not read, write or speak Spanish. He was adopted by lay members 
of the Franciscan Order, who taught the young Juarez reading, writing, 
arithmetic and Spanish grammar. He later entered the Franciscan 
seminary in Oaxaca and studied Aquinas and other great Catholic 
philosophers, eventually turning his attention instead to the study of 
law.
  President Juarez was educated in the law in preparation for a 
political career. In his first political position as a city councilman, 
he was noted as a strong defender of Indian rights. He participated in 
the revolutionary overthrow of Santa Anna in 1855, becoming the 
minister of justice and instituting reforms that were embodied in the 
constitution of 1857. During the Reform War of 1858 to 1861, President 
Juarez led the liberals against the conservative faction of Mexico's 
government. The liberals succeeded only through popular support and the 
unwavering

[[Page 11746]]

determination of President Juarez, and he was elected president in 
1861.
  Madam Speaker, to fully understand the quality of the leadership of 
Mexico at the time in the person of President Don Benito Juarez, one 
can compare him to, arguably perhaps, the greatest President in our own 
country's history, President Abraham Lincoln. Both leaders, in fact, 
presided over their countries in times of crisis, exhibiting great 
courage and perseverance in the fight for self-determination. Both grew 
up in poverty and studied law. Both fought against bigotry and racism.
  In fact, President Lincoln and President Juarez were contemporaries 
who held each other in high regard. In fact, in 1858, upon hearing of 
Juarez's struggles in Mexico, President Lincoln sent him an encouraging 
message expressing hope, and I quote, for the liberty of your 
government and its people. Even in the midst of our own Civil War, 
President Lincoln provided arms and munitions to President Juarez to 
support the Mexican people in their fight against France. When the U.S. 
Confederacy sent an emissary to Mexico to enlist support for their 
cause, President Juarez jailed the man for 30 days before sending him 
away, a clear sign of support for President Lincoln's cause.
  Madam Speaker, today, the United States and Mexico share close ties. 
We also share the ideals of freedom and independence. Because of our 
shared values and the tremendous contributions made by Mexican 
Americans, I think it is fitting and most proper for us here in 
Congress to recognize the historical struggle of the Mexican people for 
independence and freedom as called for in this concurrent resolution. I 
urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend 
my remarks.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 44, which recognizes 
the historical significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo.
  Every year thousands of Americans mistakenly refer to Cinco de Mayo 
as Mexico's Independence Day. That is why I introduced this resolution, 
to draw attention to the historical context of Cinco de Mayo.
  On May 5th, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French at the battle 
of Puebla, fighting that day for the values of freedom and liberty, the 
same values that we celebrate today in the United States.
  Cinco de Mayo has come to represent a celebration of the 
contributions that Mexican Americans and all Hispanics have made to 
America. Many Mexicans and Mexican Americans have made the United 
States their homes, especially in the Southwestern United States. Their 
rich culture is one of the threads woven into the blanket of American 
society and their contributions to our Nation have shaped what we 
consider to be American culture today.
  Today there are nearly 40 million Latinos living in the United 
States. Latinos are the fastest growing minority population in the 
United States. Latinos have made great contributions in all aspects of 
American life--the arts, sports, the corporate world, science, and much 
more. Latinos have fought in all of America's wars, beginning with the 
Revolutionary War. Many Latinos are fighting and dying for our country 
today in Iraq, just as several of their ancestors fought for freedom in 
Mexico over a century ago.
  Though the battle was a Mexican event, the commemoration of this date 
has become an American Tradition. It serves as a reminder that the 
foundation of our Nation was built by people from many nations and 
diverse cultures that were willing to fight and die for freedom.
  I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H. Con. Res. 44.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution and would like to thank my good friend from California, Mr. 
Baca, for introducing this resolution.
  Cinco de Mayo represents many things, to Mexicans and Americans 
alike. To Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, Cinco de Mayo is a 
celebration of courage, patriotism, and Mexican unity. Cinco de Mayo 
honors all of the brave soldiers who successfully fought off foreign 
aggressors, in the town of Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862.
  Outnumbered, the Mexican Army willingly gave their lives in support 
of Mexican independence and justice. The battle that ensued in Puebla 
was instrumental in fighting of French aggressors.
  To Americans, Cinco de Mayo is a reminder of how our two nations 
strive for the same ideals and principles, freedom, justice and unity. 
It also marks the last time that a foreign power was the aggressor on 
North American soil. Both of our countries fought for their freedom in 
the face of great opposition. As a result of our struggles the United 
States and Mexico share a unique history that strengthens our unity.
  Millions of Mexican-Americans work, live, and contribute to our 
country every single day. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the rich 
culture, heritage, and tradition that Mexican-Americans have brought to 
the United States.
  This resolution recognizes our Mexican-American community and the 
close spiritual and economic ties the United States has with the people 
of Mexico.
  In honor of their accomplishments and unity, I urge all of my 
colleagues to support this resolution honoring Cinco de Mayo.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Resolution 
supporting the ideals of Cinco De May, a day that holds much meaning 
for many people in the South Texas Congressional district I represent. 
For many Hispanic Americans, we celebrate Independence Day on July 4, 
and Cinco de Mayo on May 5. Independence Day celebrates our Nation; and 
Cinco de Mayo celebrates our spirit.
  On the eve of May 5, 1862, the commander of the French forces in 
Mexico sent this message to Napoleon: ``We have such superiority over 
the Mexicans that tomorrow, at the helm of my troops, I will attack, 
and I will consider that Mexico is mine.'' He was wrong. When he 
attacked the forts of Loreto and Guadalupe on May 5, his 8,000 troops 
were beaten back by 2,000 Mexicans.
  It is important to note why we celebrate this day--we celebrate the 
courage and the strength of a people who will fight against all odds 
for the things they cherish--freedom, independence and democracy. The 
lessons of the French commander should not be lost on us today.
  I often tell schoolchildren in South Texas to adopt a new take on the 
French commander's arrogance by saying: ``I will go to school, I will 
study hard, and I will consider that the marketplace is mine, and we 
will not be beaten.''
  We must continue to fight in that same spirit that the Mexicans 
fought the French. Our young people today must fight to learn--fight 
for the ability to get good jobs--and fight to go further than the 
previous generation.
  I am pleased the House is moving this resolution, albeit just over a 
month late for Cinco de Mayo celebrations this year. Nevertheless, this 
is a good opportunity for many of us in the House of Representatives to 
explain to our colleagues and our countrymen why this celebration means 
so much to so many of us.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I have no additional requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I have no additional requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. 
Res. 44.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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