Rep. Cochran offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 350.

            A resolution to declare May 5, 2014, as Cinco de Mayo Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, El Cinco de Mayo, the Fifth of May of 1862, commemorates the defeat of the French by Mexican troops at the Battle of Puebla; and

            Whereas, El Cinco de Mayo is an important historical event to Chicanos and all persons of Mexican descent in the United States and, thereby, also to the United States of America; and

            Whereas, This event commemorates and celebrates the victory and underscores the ardent pride and will of the Mexican people to protect and defend their country against their French oppressors at that time in their history; and

            Whereas, El Cinco de Mayo nevertheless celebrates the cultural ties between Mexico and the United State and the spirit of the Mexican people to defend their independence; and

            Whereas, The defeat of the French at Puebla on May 5, 1862, was also an important contribution to the ability of the United States and Mexico to prevent and discourage incursion from foreign powers into North America; and,

            Whereas, This Mexican-American holiday of El Cinco de Mayo has increased in popularity since the 1950’s and gives Michiganders and Americans of all backgrounds reason to partake in shared celebrations; and,

            Whereas, Each year more than 150 official celebrations of Cinco de Mayo occur including in more than half a dozen communities in Michigan; and

            Whereas General Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza Iggeneral, commander of the Mexican forces that day, was born a United States citizen and an icon both nations can claim; and

            Whereas, El Cinco de Mayo represented an historical step forward for both Mexico and the United States is observed as a celebration of unity with our Mexican and American history and pride; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 5, 2014, as Cinco de Mayo Day in the state of Michigan. We remember the courage and bravery of those who stood against tyranny and oppression.