82R2953(2) BPG-D
By: Alonzo H.R. No. 81
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, 2012, 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 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 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate Cinco de Mayo, 2012, and encourage
its observance around the state.