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On The Cinco De Mayo Holiday

Floor Speech

By: Al Green
By: Al Green
Date: May 9, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Foreign Affairs Arts, Entertainment, and History


ON THE CINCO DE MAYO HOLIDAY -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 09, 2007)

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the historic holiday of Cinco de Mayo.

* On May 5, 1862, Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin defeated French occupying forces in the Battle of Puebla, just 100 miles from Mexico City. General Seguin led his brave troops to a spirited victory in spite of the fact that his forces had neither the manpower nor the equipment of their opponents. The Battle of Puebla was instrumental in preserving the right of the Mexican people to self-determination, as it helped prevent the French military from taking long-term control of sovereign Mexican territory.

* The heroic actions of General Seguin and his courageous forces not only helped preserve the Mexican government, they also helped preserve the unity of the United States. Had France been able to extend its control over Mexican territory at the Battle of Puebla, France likely would have had sufficient resources and manpower to aid the Confederate States of America in their war against the United States. The tremendous fight put up by the Mexican troops at the Battle of Puebla ensured that such a worrisome scenario did not come to pass and provided President Lincoln with crucial support as the Civil War descended into chaos.

* There can certainly be no questioning of the bravery, spirit and patriotism of the thousands of Mexican troops who fought and, all too frequently, gave their lives at the Battle of Puebla. I believe that, as we recognize the efforts and sacrifices of those troops, Cinco de Mayo provides us with a perfect opportunity to recognize the sacrifice for sovereignty, the importance of courage and, above all, the universal yearning for freedom.

* The Mexican forces who won the Battle of Puebla should not and will not ever be forgotten. I commend those forces for their spirit and courage and I wish all those celebrating the holiday across Mexico and the United States a happy Cinco de Mayo.


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