Reps. Vargas, Espaillat, Garcia, Randall Lead Resolution to Commemorate Cinco de Mayo
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29), and Emily Randall (D-WA-06) led their colleagues in introducing a resolution to commemorate Cinco de Mayo. The resolution recognizes the historical significance of the 1862 Battle of Puebla and the courage of the Mexican people in their fight for freedom, independence, and democracy.
“Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s historic victory at the Battle of Puebla, one of the many battles won in their long and brave fight for independence and self-determination,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “Today, we celebrate the courageous spirit of the Mexican army during this battle and the rich heritage, culture, and countless contributions of generations of Mexican Americans.”
"Shortly after the battle of Puebla, Mexican-Americans in California and Nevada set up Juntas Patrióticas to help fund the war effort against the French in Mexico -- and against the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War," said CHC Chairman Rep. Adriano Espaillat. "Cinco de Mayo is the foundational Mexican-American holiday and celebrates a binational culture of principle, civic participation and love for liberty that Mexican-Americans embody. It is in this spirit, today and everyday, we honor the resilience, culture, and contributions of the Mexican-American community to our nation."
“¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Today, we remember the resilience of the Mexican people and honor those who fought in the Battle of Puebla. Although not Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo has come to symbolize something deeper — the spirit of resistance against oppression. Now more than ever, we must draw on the strength of our ancestors and stand united. I am proud to join my colleagues in coleading this resolution as we honor the invaluable contributions of Mexicans and Mexican Americans,” said Rep. Sylvia Garcia.
“This is a celebration of the diversity, resilience, and enduring contributions of the Mexican-American community,” said Rep. Emily Randall. “I’m honored to lead this resolution alongside Reps. Espaillat, Vargas, and Garcia to recognize the generations of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans who have helped shape the fabric of our nation. I will always be a fierce advocate for honoring immigrants, queer people, and all those across our communities whose strength, creativity, and perseverance make America stronger. We are here, we have always been here, and we are not going anywhere.”
In addition to Reps. Vargas, Espaillat, Garcia, and Randall, the resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA-31), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY-07).
Read the full text of the resolution HERE.
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