By Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
As a nation of immigrants it is important that we acknowledge and celebrate the history and contributions of all of those who live in our country. Each year, on the 5th of May, those who trace their ancestral home to Mexico recall a crucial event in the life of that nation.
On that day in 1862 in the southern coastal city of Puebla, an outnumbered Mexican Army decisively defeated French troops under orders from their commander, Napoleon III, to invade and conquer Mexico. The defeat of the French troops was a monumental victory for Mexico.
According to a number of noted historians, if the French had not been defeated at Puebla they would have joined forces with the Confederate Army in their war against the Union. In fact, some historians argue that the defeat of the French by Mexican troops led directly to the Union Army’s victories at the battles of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania and Vicksburg in Mississippi. President Lincoln would not have been able to sign the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 if the French had been victorious, they say.
On Cinco de Mayo exuberant celebrations will take place in North America and in countries throughout the world where large numbers of people with Mexican roots live and work. There will be parades, concerts, lectures, worship services and carnivals. In some school districts in North Texas, school children of all races will wear traditional Mexican dress to class and perform traditional Mexican dances.
And while Cinco de Mayo will be a great day of celebration, we must never forget the historical significance of the event and how it changed the history of this nation and its people. We must be mindful that it is not simply a day for those with ties to Mexico to celebrate, but is one in which all people can find meaning.
I wish everyone a very happy Cinco de Mayo. I am hopeful that all of us will understand its rich meaning and appreciate the wonderful legacy that it represents for all Americans.
