HR 9129

1	House Resolution
2	A resolution celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 5, 2006.
3
4	WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the triumph of a small
5	Mexican army over the French army that outnumbered them by more
6	than two to one at the Battalla de Puebla on May 5, 1862, in the
7	Mexican town of Puebla, and
8	WHEREAS, the Mexican victory at Puebla became a symbol of
9	Mexican unity and patriotism and inspired the Mexican people to
10	fight with renewed determination, and
11	WHEREAS, the battle commemorated by Cinco de Mayo is
12	important to Mexico and Latin America for many reasons,
13	especially because it filled the Mexican people with great pride
14	and enthusiasm for their country, it demonstrated that some of
15	the best troops in Europe could be defeated by a small but
16	determined group, and it symbolized the people's right to self-
17	determination and national sovereignty, and
18	WHEREAS, the United States sent forces to Mexico to help
19	drive out the French, and Mexico became one of the staunchest
20	and most loyal allies of the United States, joining the United
21	States in fighting many wars, including World War II and the
22	Persian Gulf War, and
23	WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo celebrates freedom and liberty, two
24	ideals that Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to
25	shoulder to protect ever since the 5th of May, 1862, and
26	WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico,
27	which is celebrated with speeches and parades, and is also
28	celebrated in many cities in the United States where it has
29	become an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture, and
30	WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo has become a celebration for both
31	Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike that educates people about
32	Mexican history and celebrates Hispanic culture, NOW, THEREFORE,
33
34	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
35	Florida:
36
37	That the House of Representatives joins all Floridians in
38	commemorating the Battle of Puebla, congratulating the Mexican
39	people on their historic victory and patriotism, and encouraging
40	the celebration of Mexican and Hispanic culture and history in
41	Florida by celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 5, 2006.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.