[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 18 (Monday, May 12, 2008)]
[Pages 659-660]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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 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.

[[Page 660]]

    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.

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.