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 courage of the Mexican people, who defeated a better trained and equipped army at the “Batalla de Puebla”; 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, Latino resilience ensured the eventual triumph of Union forces, and were it not for Mexico’s triumph at the Batalla de Puebla, the deterrence of possible French support for Confederate troops may not have occurred, and the outcome of the Civil War may have been dramatically altered; 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 well-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 the economy and cultural life of California and the United States 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 Senate of the State of California, That the Senate urges all Californians to join in celebrating Cinco de Mayo, the historic day when the Mexican people defeated the French army at the Batalla de Puebla, and to recognize the Latino noncombatants in California 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 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; and be it further
Resolved, That the Senate declares May 1, 2024, through May 7, 2024, as Cinco de Mayo Week; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.