[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 6819-6820]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             CINCO DE MAYO

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I wish everyone, especially Mexican 
Americans across the country and in Nevada, a happy Cinco de Mayo. All 
Americans, regardless of background, join with the Mexican-American 
community in commemorating the causes of freedom, liberty, and Hispanic 
heritage represented by this holiday.
  There are celebrations all over America today. Driving to work this 
morning, I saw a couple of people with great big sombreros wanting to 
come to one of the celebrations in and around Washington. So this is a 
wonderful holiday we all celebrate.
  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. President, I support this resolution, with 
Senator Cornyn and others, commemorating Cinco de Mayo.
  We all love Cinco de Mayo for the food and festivities that we have 
grown so accustomed to across our country. However, we commemorate 
Cinco de Mayo in order to celebrate the joint-history and values that 
are shared by both Mexicans and Americans. Cinco de Mayo is a day that 
reminds us that the citizens of Mexico possess the same courage that 
we, as Americans, value in ourselves. For that reason, the 
commemoration of Cinco de Mayo has transcended from being a celebration 
of the victorious Battle of Puebla that Mexico won over France, to a 
celebration of courage and a recognition of all contributions that the 
Mexican-American community has had both in Colorado and in our great 
Nation. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo brings pride to both the Mexican-
American community and all Americans.
  The courage displayed by Mexican forces on May 5, 1862 parallels the 
courage that we as Americans have used to overcome adversity and thrive 
since our founding. The victory of the beleaguered force of Mexican 
troops at the Battle of Puebla weakened France's immense resources and 
limited its ability to meddle in America's Civil War. As Mexico sought 
to defend itself from European aggression, the Battle of Puebla reminds 
us that the foundation of the United States was also built through 
battles in which the United States often found itself as the underdog. 
Through courage, perseverance, and the willingness to fight and die for 
freedom, our Nation has become stronger. These contributions that the 
Mexican-American community has had in our Nation should be celebrated 
as part of our country's history.
  While Cinco de Mayo remains a Mexican national holiday, the 
commemoration of this holiday has become imbedded in American culture. 
Both in Colorado and throughout our Nation, the contributions of the 
millions of Mexican-American families are seen throughout our 
communities. As in years past, I continue to encourage my fellow 
Coloradans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by remembering and educating but 
also by coming together with friends and neighbors to enjoy food, 
music, and dancing.
  Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or 
debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today's Record 
under ``Submitted Resolutions.'')

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