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79R10472 KO-D

By:  Alonzo                                                       H.R. No. 1352



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Texans and many other Americans are joining with our 
neighbors south of the Rio Grande on May 5, 2005, to celebrate Cinco 
de Mayo, a holiday honoring the legendary Mexican victory over the 
French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862; and
	WHEREAS, After chafing under Spanish colonization for 
several centuries, Mexico declared itself a free and independent 
nation in 1821, but the transition from colonialism was a difficult 
one, and the mid-19th century saw the young nation struggling to 
maintain a stable government; imperial powers in Europe seeking to 
take advantage of Mexico's troubles and recover some of the rich 
territory they had lost during recent independence movements joined 
forces to invade the country in 1861; and
	WHEREAS, Although England and Spain eventually withdrew, the 
French army continued its invasion and by 1862 had begun the march 
inland toward Mexico City; led by the young general, Ignacio Seguin 
Zaragoza, a small, poorly armed Mexican militia countered the 
well-outfitted French soldiers at Puebla, a town southeast of the 
capital, and, despite being vastly outnumbered, prevailed and 
soundly defeated the French army; and
	WHEREAS, That victory at Puebla on May 5, 1862, was an 
important event in the history of the Republic of Mexico, for by 
conquering one of the world's finest military forces the courageous 
Mexican soldiers struck a blow against imperialism and foreign 
domination and marked an extraordinary triumph for Mexican 
independence and pride; and
	WHEREAS, Today, the anniversary of that famous battle is 
observed in many U.S. cities as well as in Mexico, but Cinco de Mayo 
celebrations in Texas are unique because they pay tribute to our 
shared heritage with Mexico; General Zaragoza, born in Presidio La 
Bahia near present-day Goliad, Texas, holds a distinctive place in 
history as a true Tejano, a son of both Texas and Mexico, and his 
determination to honor and defend "la patria," the homeland, is as 
inspiring now as it was more than a century ago; and
	WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo pays homage to one of the truly notable 
events in Mexico's past while celebrating its music, food, art, and 
cherished traditions, and the annual event has truly become a 
special part of the rich cultural fabric of the Lone Star State; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby commemorate Cinco de Mayo, 2005, and encourage 
its observance around the state.