“Cinco de Mayo holds special meaning for me as it does for millions of other Mexican Americans and it provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the innumerable contributions that generations of Mexican Americans have made to our national life.

On Cinco de Mayo, we celebrate the valor of a small contingent of Mexican patriots who prevailed against a much larger French army in the Battle of Puebla.  Just as in our own fight for independence, they triumphed despite overwhelming odds. Indeed, like Lexington and Concord, Puebla marks a significant victory in the struggle for liberty in the New World. 

Today Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a day to celebrate our Mexican American culture and the immeasurable ways in which Mexican Americans have shaped this country.  Through music, literature and cuisine, we have enriched the American melting pot.  Through an entrepreneurial spirit, Mexican American small businesses are playing a critical role in our economic recovery.  Our men and women on the battlefield are helping to secure lasting peace in Iraq and Afghanistan.  As CEO’s, religious leaders, cabinet secretaries and Members of Congress, we are providing leadership in the face of unprecedented challenges both at home and abroad.

Finally, Mexico is among our most important allies and this day offers us the chance to reaffirm that friendship.  As our neighbors to the south fight drug cartels and the H1N1 flu virus, we should pause to consider what more we can do to aid the Mexican people.  Just as they did on Cinco de Mayo 1862, they are waging a courageous battle against forces that seek to undermine their democratic society and just as on that famous date, I am confident that Mexico will emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.”
 

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