DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Statement Recognizing Cinco de Mayo

WASHINGTON, May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today is Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.  In recognition of the occasion, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO)

"Today, I would like to join with Mexican Americans and individuals across our country in commemorating Cinco de Mayo.  On this day, Americans of all backgrounds and heritages embrace Mexican American culture as their own, joining in a rich celebration of the historic and cultural contributions that Mexican Americans have made to our nation.  Mexican Americans are a vital part of every aspect of American society – from our military, to our economy, to our political system, the growing Mexican American community is making America stronger.

"Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity not only to celebrate American diversity, but also to remember a day on which the Mexican army proved that triumph is possible despite long-odds.  As Americans continue to seek solutions to the complex challenges facing our nation, that is a lesson in which we can all take heart.  Over the past year, President Obama and Democrats in Congress have made incredible headway in addressing many of those challenges – turning economic contraction into economic growth and job losses into job gains.  At the same time, they achieved historic health care reform, undertook bold new educational initiatives, and continue to work to build bipartisan support for comprehensive immigration reform and deliver the kind of strong solution the American people want and need.  These historic accomplishments are already making a difference in the lives of Mexican Americans and in the lives of all Americans.  This year, they will continue to move forward with an agenda that will improve America's relationships with our allies around the globe, including Mexico, and increase opportunities for American workers and families."

SOURCE Democratic National Committee