[Page: S2745] GPO's PDF---
Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. REID of Nevada, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. UDALL of Colorado, and Mr. BENNET) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 167
Whereas May 5, or ``Cinco de Mayo'' in Spanish, is celebrated each year as a date of great importance by the Mexican and Mexican-American communities;
Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates May 5, 1862, the date on which the Battle of Puebla was fought by Mexicans who were struggling for their independence and freedom;
Whereas Cinco de Mayo has become one of the most famous Mexican national holidays and is celebrated annually by nearly all Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, north and south of the United States-Mexico border;
Whereas the Battle of Puebla was but one of the many battles that the courageous Mexican people won in their long and brave struggle for independence and freedom;
Whereas the French, confident that their battle-seasoned troops were far superior to the almost amateurish Mexican forces, expected little or no opposition from the Mexican army;
Whereas the French army, which had not experienced defeat against any of the finest troops of Europe in more than half a century, sustained a disastrous loss at the hands of an outnumbered, ill-equipped, and ragged, but highly spirited and courageous, Mexican force;
Whereas after three bloody assaults on Puebla in which more than a thousand gallant Frenchmen lost their lives, the French troops were finally defeated and driven back by the outnumbered Mexican troops;
Whereas the courageous and heroic spirit that Mexican General Zaragoza and his men displayed during that historic battle can never be forgotten;
Whereas many brave Mexicans willingly gave their lives for the causes of justice and freedom in the Battle of Puebla on Cinco de Mayo;
Whereas the sacrifice of the Mexican fighters was instrumental in keeping Mexico from falling under European domination;
Whereas Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder that the foundation of the United States is built by people from many nations and diverse cultures who are willing to fight and die for freedom;
Whereas Cinco de Mayo also serves as a reminder of the close ties between the people of Mexico and the people of the United States;
Whereas in a larger sense, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the right of a free people to self-determination, just as Benito Juarez once said, ``El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz'' (``The respect of other people's rights is peace''); and
Whereas many people celebrate during the entire week in which Cinco de Mayo falls: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the historical struggle for independence and freedom of the people of Mexico; and
(2) calls upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
