HR 9143

1	House Resolution
2	A resolution celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 5, 2009.
3
4	WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the triumph of the
5	Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, over the French
6	army of Napoleon III at the Battalla de Puebla on May 5, 1862,
7	in the Mexican city of Puebla, and
8	WHEREAS, the triumph of Mexican forces at the Battle of
9	Puebla prevented France from installing a European monarch, the
10	Austrian Archduke, Maximilian, and
11	WHEREAS, enduring French occupation until 1867, the
12	citizens of Mexico first celebrated Cinco de Mayo under French
13	rule and subsequently renamed the city where the French were
14	defeated to Puebla de Zaragoza, and
15	WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo celebrates freedom and liberty, two
16	ideals that Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to
17	shoulder to protect ever since May 5, 1862, and
18	WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico,
19	which is celebrated with speeches and parades, and is also
20	celebrated in many communities and cities throughout the United
21	States, where it has become an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic
22	culture, and
23	WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo has become a celebration for both
24	Hispanics and non-Hispanics alike that educates people about
25	Mexican history and celebrates Hispanic culture, NOW, THEREFORE,
26
27	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
28	Florida:
29
30	That the House of Representatives joins all Floridians in
31	commemorating the Battle of Puebla, congratulating the Mexican
32	people on their historic victory and patriotism, and encouraging
33	the celebration of Mexican and Hispanic culture and history in
34	Florida by celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 5, 2009.

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