    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 5, 2008]
    [Pages 639-640]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Cinco de Mayo Celebration
    May 5, 2008

        Welcome. Sientese. [Laughter] Laura and I
    welcome you to the Rose Garden for what is going to be a spectacular
    evening. We are so glad you are here. Ambassador Garza, thank you for coming. Ambassador Sarukhan, thank you for being here as well. I
    appreciate Members of the United States Senate for joining us, Members
    of the House of Representatives for joining us, members of my Cabinet,
    members of the Hispanic American community.
        I want to thank the Mariachi Campanas de America from San Antonio,
    Texas, for joining us here today. After dinner, we are so fortunate to
    have Shaila Durcal, who will be singing for
    us. Hold your applause for Shaila until after she sings. I will tell
    you, however, that she has interrupted her honeymoon to come to the Rose
    Garden tonight, for which we are very grateful.
        Cinco de Mayo is a joyous celebration. It commemorates a joyful
    moment in the history of Mexico. It's when Mexican soldiers defended
    their independence against what appeared to be an elite and
    insurmountable army from Europe. Nearly a century and a half later,
    Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by Americans and Mexicans alike. After all,
    it is a symbol of determination and great--against great odds, and it is
    a source of inspiration for all who love freedom.
        For me, Cinco de Mayo is a chance to say that Mexico and the United
    States are connected by more than geography. Sure, we show a--share an
    important border, but we're also united by values, our love of family
    and faith and freedom. We share an interest in making sure our people
    are prosperous and safe.
        In America, we deeply value the culture and the contribution of
    Mexican Americans. The United States is a richer place, a more vibrant
    place, because people who have--claim Mexican heritage now are called
    United States citizens. And today we honor those Mexican Americans who
    live in America, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have Mexico as a
    friend and a neighbor.
        And so my toast is to Mexico and to the United States and the people
    therein. Que Dios los bendiga. Feliz Cinco de Mayo.

    [[Page 640]]

    Note: The President spoke at 7:51 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to 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.