Mexican Victory over French at Puebla in 1862 Reminds Us of Importance in Protecting a Nation’s Culture

NASHVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Republican Party recognizes the importance of today, Cinco de Mayo, in Mexican history and urges all Americans to reflect on and honor what the day celebrates. Cinco de Mayo is a great day of celebration and commemoration of the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, a battle to protect their nation and culture from occupation by the French forces under Napoleon III.

While the war continued for five more years, the victory at Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination.

Many celebrations and commemorations connected to various cultures from which people have joined the American story, such as Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, the Chinese New Year and now Cinco de Mayo, are celebrated widely in this country.

“Celebrating ethnic and cultural pride within the context of the American story is as American as baseball, apple pie - and tacos - and Cinco de Mayo has grown in popularity here as more Mexicans have decided to join the American story,” said Robin Smith, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party. “We honor the national pride displayed on this day of festivity and the importance of protecting a nation’s heritage and culture in order to ensure its ongoing freedom.”

Just as Mexico fought off French domination, the American story deserves vigilance and protection, and the same national pride of heritage and culture of America, our great land, compels us to work to elect Republican candidates to the Tennessee Legislature who will vote for commonsense measures that accommodate legal immigration yet reject uncontrolled and illegal immigration.