[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

[[Page 734]]

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.