First Regular Session

Sixty-second General Assembly

LLS NO. R99­0940.01 Rebecca Hausmann

STATE OF COLORADO

BY REPRESENTATIVES Mace, Chavez, Coleman, Gagliardi, Leyba, Nunez, Tapia, Vigil Allen, Clarke, Gotlieb, Larson, Lawrence, Miller, Mitchell, Morrison, Paschall, Ragsdale, Scott, Takis, Tate, Tochtrop, Tupa, Veiga, S. Williams, T. Williams, Zimmerman;

also SENATOR Hernandez.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 99-1036

CONCERNING THE CELEBRATION OF CINCO DE MAYO.

WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the triumph of a small Mexican army over the French army that outnumbered them by more than two­to­one at the "Battalla de Puebla" on May 5, 1862, in the Mexican town of Puebla; and

WHEREAS, The Mexican victory at Puebla became a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism and inspired the Mexican people to fight with renewed determination; and

WHEREAS, The battle commemorated by Cinco de Mayo is important to Mexico and Latin America for many reasons, especially because it filled the Mexican people with great pride and enthusiasm for their country, it demonstrated that some of the best troops in Europe could be defeated by a small but determined group, and it symbolized the people's right to self­determination and national sovereignty; and

WHEREAS, The United States sent forces to Mexico to help drive out the French, and Mexico became one of the staunchest and most loyal allies of the United States, joining the United States in fighting many wars including World War II and the Persian Gulf War; and

WHEREAS, Mexicans never forget who their friends are, and neither do Americans, which is why Cinco De Mayo is such a party that celebrates freedom and liberty, two ideals that Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect ever since the 5^th of May, 1862; and

WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico and is celebrated with speeches and parades and is celebrated not only by Mexico but by many cities in the United States, where it has become an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture; and

WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Colorado towns, especially in Denver, where festivities include Hispanic musical groups, Mexican food, children's dance troops performing traditional Spanish dances, and Hispanic artisans displaying their wares; and

WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo has become a celebration for both Hispanics and non­Hispanics alike that educates people about Mexican history and celebrates Hispanic culture; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Sixty­second General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the Senate concurring herein:

That we, the members of the Colorado General Assembly commemorate the battle of Puebla and congratulate the Mexican people on their historic victory and patriotism.

Be It Further Resolved, That we wish to encourage the celebration of Mexican and Hispanic culture and history in Colorado.