H. Res. 230 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

May 4, 2009. 

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; 

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 out-
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numbered, 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; 

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; 
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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 House of Representatives recognizes 

the historical struggle for independence and freedom of the 

Mexican people and requests the President to issue a proclamation recognizing that struggle and the importance of Cinco 

de Mayo. 

Attest: 

Clerk.