California Legislature—2015–16 Regular Session

House Resolution No. 16

Introduced by Assembly Member Santiago

April 15, 2015

House Resolution No. 16—Relative to Cinco de Mayo Week.

WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is
memorialized as a significant date in the history of California and
Mexico in recognition of the Latinos of California who offered
their support and risked their lives to defend freedom and
democracy in both the United States and Mexico; and

WHEREAS, Since the beginning of the American Civil War,
Latinos in California have shown their support for the institutions
of freedom and democracy by joining the forces of the United
States Army, Cavalry, and Navy, risking their lives to defend free
institutions; and

WHEREAS, Those who were unable to join the Armed Forces
of the Union freely offered their support for President Abraham
Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, The American Civil War, making it impossible
for the United States to enforce the Monroe Doctrine, provided an
opportunity for the Emperor of France, Napoléon III, to establish
a monarchy in Mexico, thereby attempting to destroy democratic
institutions that derive their power from the consent of the
governed; and

WHEREAS, Latinos, including Californians, also offered their
support and risked their lives in Mexico to defend freedom and
democracy in that country by joining the armed forces of that sister
republic; and

WHEREAS, Those who were unable to travel to Mexico to
physically defend free institutions freely offered their support to
President Benito Juárez by organizing over 122 Juntas Patrióticas
Mexicanas within California to raise funds that were sent every
month from California to Mexico to defray the costs of war in that
country; and

WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo serves to remind us that the
foundation of any nation and our state is its people, in their spirit
and courage in the face of adversity, in the strength of their drive
to achieve self-determination, and in their willingness to sacrifice
even life itself in the pursuit of freedom and liberty; and

WHEREAS, Cinco de Mayo offers an opportunity to reflect on
the courage and achievements not only of the Mexican forces at
Puebla, but also on the courage and achievements of Latinos here
in California; and

WHEREAS, Achievements by Latinos in America and
California include contributions to all facets of our community;
and

WHEREAS, Latino voters continue to go to the polls in record
numbers and influence the entrance of newly elected Latino public
officials in both the Democratic and Republican parties and
influence issues that encompass providing affordable housing,
investing in our children, ensuring that higher education is
affordable and accessible, creating good paying jobs for working
families, and improving the overall quality of life for all
Californians; and

WHEREAS, California’s Latinos have contributed to the state’s
culture and society through their many achievements in music,
food, dance, poetry, literature, architecture, entertainment, sports,
and a broad spectrum of artistic expression; and

WHEREAS, Latinos in California have challenged the frontiers
of social and economic justice, thereby improving the working
conditions and lives of countless Californians; and

WHEREAS, Latino entrepreneurs in the United States are the
fastest growing group of business owners in our economy; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, the Latino Caucus saw a need to recognize
and honor distinguished Latinos for their contributions and
dedication to California and the United States’ economy and
cultural life with the annual Latino Spirit Awards. These recipients
are outstanding individuals who have greatly contributed to the
wonderful music, poetry, literature, journalism, and entertainment
of California, the United States, and the world; now, therefore, be
it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the
Assembly urges all Californians to join in celebrating Cinco de
Mayo, the historic day to honor the brave spirit of Latinos from
California who defended freedom and democracy in the United
States during the Civil War and in Mexico during the French
Intervention, and the Latino noncombatants who freely gave their
votes and resources to defend free institutions, and the Latinos of
California who fought to defend the freedom of the United States
in every armed conflict from the Spanish American War to the
current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly declares May 4 through May 8,
2015, as Cinco de Mayo Week; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies
of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.