    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [May 4, 2005]
    [Pages 733-734]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Cinco de Mayo Celebration
    May 4, 2005

        The President. Bienvenidos. Laura and I are
    honored to host so many distinguished Hispanic Americans and Mexican
    leaders here in the Jardin de Rosas. [Laughter] Welcome to the White
    House. The way I see it is, mi casa es su casa. [Laughter] I always look
    forward to Cinco de Mayo, especially because it gives me a chance to
    practice my Spanish. My only problem this year is I scheduled the dinner
    on el quatro de Mayo. [Laughter] Next year I'm going to have to work on
    my math. [Laughter]
        I want to thank you all for coming. I particularly want to thank the
    Attorney General of the United States, Alberto Gonzales, for joining us; the Secretary of Commerce, Carlos
    Gutierrez, and Edi;  SBA Administrator Hector Barreto and his wife, Robin. Anna
    Cabral and Victor--Anna Cabral is the Treasurer of the United
    States. Welcome, Anna.
        Eduardo Aguirre, who is the
    Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
        Audience members. [Inaudible]
        The President. These guys said they want to get to know you,
    Eduardo. [Laughter] By the way, Eduardo
    has been announced and, upon Senate confirmation, will become the U.S.
    Ambassador to Spain.
        Mi amigo, el juez del sur de Texas, Ricardo Hinojosa. The U.S. Surgeon General and his wife, Diane--Dr. Richard Carmona.
        El Embajador de Mexico, welcome. El Embajador de Estados Unidos a Mexico, Tony Garza, y su esposa nueva,
    Maria. Welcome.
        I want to thank Congressman Henry Bonilla
    and Sheryl for joining us today--welcome,
    Congressman. Congressman Henry Cuellar de
    Texas, welcome.
        Josefina Vazquez Mota, Mexico's
    Secretary for Social Development, welcome.
        I want to thank Christian Castro,
    recording artist, who is going to perform tonight. I appreciate Jaci
    Velasquez; where's Jaci? Jaci is somewhere.
    There she is. Thanks. She's going to emcee. I want to thank Mariachi Sol
    de Mexico.
        Cinco de Mayo commemorates a joyful moment in Mexican history.
    Tonight we're proud to celebrate that moment together. The United States
    and Mexico are united by ties of family, faith in God, and a deep love
    for freedom.
        More than 25 million men and women of Mexican origin now make their
    homes in the United States. And they're making our Nation more vibrant
    and more hopeful every day. Mexican Americans have enriched the American
    experience with contributions to music and dancing and the arts. Latino
    entrepreneurs are starting their own businesses all across America and
    are creating jobs and trading in freedom with businesses across borders.
    More Hispanic Americans own their own homes today than ever before. And
    Mexican Americans are firmly committed to leaving no child behind in
    America.
        Mexican Americans are also strengthening our country with their
    patriotism and

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    service. Thousands of Mexican Americans have sacrificed in the Armed
    Services for our freedom. And more than 8,700 men and women born in
    Mexico now wear the uniform of the United States military. These
    dedicated men and women are making America safer, and they're making the
    world safer. And they're carrying on the courage and devotion that
    inspired an outnumbered band of Mexican soldiers to victory in the
    Battle of Pueblo on the cinco de Mayo, 1862.
        Here at the White House, the triumph of Cinco de Mayo was recognized
    by President Abraham Lincoln. And through the generations, Americans
    have continued to look on our neighbor to the south with fondness and
    deep respect. Tonight we look to the future with confidence in our warm
    and growing friendship.
        And so now it is my pleasure to offer a toast: May God bless the
    people of Mexico and all the sons and daughters of Mexico who call
    America home. Que Dios los bendiga.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:01 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Edilia Gutierrez, wife of
    Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez; Victor G. Cabral, husband of
    Treasurer of the United States Anna Escobedo Cabral; Ricardo H.
    Hinojosa, Chair, U.S. Sentencing Commission; Mexico's Ambassador to the
    U.S. Carlos Alberto de Icaza Gonzalez; U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio
    O. Garza, Jr., and his wife, Maria; Sheryl Bonilla, wife of
    Representative Henry Bonilla; and entertainers Jaci Velasquez and
    Mariachi Sol de Mexico. The Office of the Press Secretary also released
    a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.