    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 4, 2007]
    [Pages 538-539]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Cinco de Mayo Celebration
    May 4, 2007

        The President. Thank you all. Please be seated. Sientese. [Laughter]
    Bienvenidos. Thank you for coming. Welcome to el jardin de las rosas.
    It's a great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. As a matter of fact, I've
    been looking forward to celebrating this so much that we decided to have
    our own quatro de Mayo. [Laughter]
        Thanks for coming. Welcome. I'm honored to celebrate this important
    holiday with you all. On Cinco de Mayo, we remember our close friendship
    with Mexico, and we honor and remember the many contributions Mexican
    Americans have made to our Nation.
        I'm sorry Laura couldn't be here. She's
    coming back from having camped out in a national park with high school
    classmates. I'm honored to be here with the Attorney General of the
    United States, mi amigo, Alberto
    Gonzales, y tambien the Secretary of Commerce, Carlos
    Gutierrez, y su esposa, Edi. I'm glad to be here with Dr. Emilio
    Gonzalez, Director of U.S. Citizenship
    and Immigration Services, and Gloria. I
    appreciate my friend, Emilio Estefan,
    for arranging this entertainment here in the Rose Garden. I welcome the
    Ambassador to--Mexico, Arturo.
    Bienvenidos. I'm glad you're here. Thanks for coming.
        As you can see, I'm standing up here with a mariachi band, initially
    from Monterrey, Mexico--Los Hermanos Mora Arriaga. Welcome.
        Band members. Thank you. Gracias.
        The President. Si. Brothers and sisters--I think you told me you had
    13 brothers and----
        Band members. Fifteen.
        The President. ----15 brothers and sisters. [Laughter] We believe in
    family values. [Laughter]
        I want to thank those who wear the uniform of the United States.
    Thank you for serving.
        Cinco de Mayo celebrates a great Mexican victory at the Battle of
    Puebla. On May 5th, 1862, an outnumbered band of Mexican soldiers held
    their ground against a professional European army. They triumphed
    against overwhelming odds. The victory inspired Mexican patriots in
    their heroic fight for liberty and for democracy. Cinco de Mayo is a
    joyful day in Mexican history, and it's an important milestone in the
    history of freedom.
        The people of the United States are proud to celebrate Cinco de Mayo
    with our Mexican neighbors. Our two countries continue to stand for the
    principles that the Mexican Army defended at Puebla. We believe that
    democracy represents the true will of people. We believe that freedom is
    God's gift to every man, woman, and child on the face of this Earth. And
    we believe that both our nations have a responsibility to share the
    blessings of liberty.
        The United States and Mexico are bound by strong family ties.
    Mexican Americans have enriched our culture by sharing their musical and
    artistic talents. They've strengthened our economy by opening new
    businesses and expanding trade. And they have made our Nation more
    hopeful by leading lives of faith and family.
        Mexican Americans have also defended the United States by wearing
    our Nation's uniform. Today, Mexican Americans in uniform answered the
    call to advance the cause of liberty, and this Nation is really grateful
    for your service and your sacrifice.
        The patriotism of Mexican Americans reminds us that one of our
    greatest strengths is the character and diversity of our Nation's
    immigrants. Immigration has made our land a great melting pot of talent
    and ideas. It has made America a beacon of hope for people in search of
    a better life.

    [[Page 539]]

        In Washington, we're now in the midst of an important discussion
    about immigration. Our current immigration system is in need of reform.
    It is not working. We need a system where our laws are respected. We
    need a system that meets the needs of our economy. And we need a system
    that treats people with dignity and helps newcomers assimilate into our
    society.
        We must address all elements of this problem together, or none of
    them will be solved at all. We must do it in a way that learns from the
    mistakes that caused previous reforms to fail. I support comprehensive
    immigration reform that will allow us to secure our borders and enforce
    our laws, to keep us competitive in the global economy, and to resolve
    the status of those already here, without amnesty and without animosity.
        Comprehensive immigration reform is a vital goal for our Nation, and
    it is a matter of deep conviction for me. I will continue to work
    closely with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to build a consensus
    for reform so Congress can pass and I can sign a comprehensive
    immigration bill into law este ano.
        The United States and Mexico share a great border, and we share a
    hopeful future. Tomorrow people on both sides of that border will
    celebrate freedom and the courage of all who defend it. I wish you a
    happy Cinco de Mayo. Que Dios los bendiga a los Estados Unidos y tambien
    Mexico.
        And now, Los Hermanos Mora Arriaga.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:54 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Emilio Estefan, Jr., chairman,
    Estefan Enterprises, Inc.; and Mexico's Ambassador to the U.S. Arturo
    Sarukhan Casamitjana. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a
    Spanish language transcript of these remarks.