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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 644
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WHEREAS, Texans and many other Americans are joining with |
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the people of Mexico on May 5, 2025, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a |
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holiday honoring the legendary Mexican victory over the French at |
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the Battle of Puebla in 1862; and |
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WHEREAS, After chafing under Spanish rule for several |
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centuries, Mexico declared itself a free and independent nation |
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in 1821, but the transition from colonialism was a difficult one, |
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and the mid-19th century saw the young nation struggling to |
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maintain a stable government; in the winter of 1861-1862, with |
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the central government in Mexico severely weakened, France, |
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Britain, and Spain jointly occupied the port of Veracruz for the |
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avowed purpose of securing the payment of debt owed by Mexico to |
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European creditors; and |
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WHEREAS, When it became evident that France actually |
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intended to conquer Mexico, Britain and Spain began withdrawing |
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their troops on April 11, 1862; some two weeks later, the French |
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army began to march on Mexico City; its advance, however, was |
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dramatically checked at the town of Puebla, where the Mexican |
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general Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, leading a small, poorly armed, |
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and greatly outnumbered force, defeated the French on May 5, |
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1862; the battle lasted from daybreak to early evening, and the |
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French lost nearly 500 soldiers while fewer than 100 Mexican |
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troops were killed; and |
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WHEREAS, That victory at Puebla was an important event in |
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the history of the Republic of Mexico; by repelling one of the |
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world's finest military forces, the courageous Mexican soldiers |
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not only struck a blow against foreign domination but also fired |
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a powerful sense of national pride; and |
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WHEREAS, Today, the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla is |
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observed in many U.S. cities as well as in Mexico with parades, |
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speeches, and historical reenactments; Cinco de Mayo |
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celebrations in Texas enjoy a particular resonance because |
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General Zaragoza was a Tejano, born in Presidio La Bahía, near |
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present-day Goliad; the determination of this able officer and |
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his men to defend "la patria," the homeland, is as inspiring now |
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as it was more than 150 years ago; and |
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WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo festivities pay homage to one of the |
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notable events in Mexico's past while highlighting that country's |
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music, food, art, and cherished traditions, and the annual |
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celebration has become a special part of the rich cultural fabric |
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of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th |
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Legislature, hereby commemorate Cinco de Mayo 2025. |
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Menéndez |
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________________________________ |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on May 31, 2025. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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________________________________ |
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Member, Texas Senate |