III 

111TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 128 

Recognizing the historical significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de 

Mayo. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MAY 5, 2009 

Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and Mr. BINGAMAN) submitted the following 

resolution; which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the historical significance of the Mexican holiday 

of Cinco de Mayo. 

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 Mexico’s most famous national holidays and is celebrated annually by 

nearly all Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, north and 

south of the United States-Mexico border; 


rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with BILLS
2 

•SRES 128 ATS 

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 Europe’s finest troops in over 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 upon Puebla in which 

over 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 this 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 the Cinco de Mayo holiday is not only the commemoration of the rout of the French troops at the town 

of Puebla in Mexico, but is also a celebration of the virtues of individual courage and patriotism of all Mexicans 

and Mexican-Americans who have fought for freedom and 

independence against foreign aggressors; 


rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with BILLS
3 

•SRES 128 ATS 

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 

spiritual and economic ties between the people of Mexico 

and the people of the United States, and is especially important for the people of the southwestern States where 

millions of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans make their 

homes; 

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 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) recognizes the historical struggle for inde3 pendence and freedom of the people of Mexico; and 

4 (2) calls upon the people of the United States 

5 to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate cere6 monies and activities. 

Æ 


rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with BILLS