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 fa-
mous 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 bat-
tles 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 Mexi-
can forces, expected little or no opposition from the Mexi-
can army; 
Whereas the French army, which had not experienced defeat 
against any of Europe’s finest troops in over half a cen-
tury, 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 Gen-
eral 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 instru-
mental in keeping Mexico from falling under European 
domination; 
Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday is not only the com-
memoration of the rout of the French troops at the town 
of Puebla in Mexico, but is also a celebration of the vir-
tues 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 foun-
dation 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 im-
portant 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 procla-
mation recognizing that struggle and the importance of Cinco 
de Mayo. 
Attest: 
Clerk.