III 

112TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 167 

Recognizing the historical significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de 

Mayo. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MAY 5, 2011 

Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. REID, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. 

UDALL of Colorado, and Mr. BENNET) 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 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; 


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•SRES 167 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 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; 


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•SRES 167 ATS 

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 

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 


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