H.R. No. 58
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, 2018, 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 rule 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; in the winter of 1861-1862, with the central
government in Mexico severely weakened, France, Britain, and Spain
jointly occupied the port of Veracruz for the avowed purpose of
securing the payment of debt owed by Mexico to European creditors;
and
WHEREAS, When it became evident that France actually intended
to conquer Mexico, Britain and Spain began withdrawing their troops
on April 11, 1862; some two weeks later, the French army began to
march on Mexico City; its advance, however, was dramatically
checked at the town of Puebla, where the Mexican general Ignacio
Zaragoza Seguin, leading a small, poorly armed, and greatly
outnumbered force, defeated the French on May 5, 1862; and
WHEREAS, That victory at Puebla was an important event in the
history of the Republic of Mexico, for by repelling one of the
world's finest military forces, the courageous Mexican soldiers not
only struck a blow against foreign domination but also fired a
powerful sense of national pride; and
WHEREAS, Today, the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla is
observed in many U.S. cities as well as in Mexico; Cinco de Mayo
celebrations in Texas enjoy a particular resonance because General
Zaragoza was a Tejano, born in Presidio La Bahia, near present-day
Goliad; the determination of this able officer and his men to defend
"la patria," the homeland, is as inspiring now as it was more than
150 years ago; and
WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo festivities pay homage to one of the
notable events in Mexico's past while highlighting that country's
music, food, art, and cherished traditions, and the annual
celebration has 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 85th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate Cinco de Mayo, 2018, and encourage
its observance around the state.
Alonzo
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 58 was adopted by the House on
February 23, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House