Today Americans will observe the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo. Unfortunately, many view this day as only a time to have fun and do not truly know the historical context of Cinco de Mayo, and what it means for the United States.

Today we celebrate the anniversary of the date in 1862 on which the Mexican army defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla. The French army expected an easy win, but the inexperienced Mexican army showed great courage and determination and went on to win the battle.

Cinco de Mayo is not, as commonly thought, Mexican Independence Day. Mexico won its independence in 1810. After years of political turmoil, the French attempted to take over Mexico and install Archduke Maximilian of Austria as ruler. The victory on Cinco de Mayo halted the invasion, marking the last time that any foreign power has acted as an aggressor on North American soil.

If the Mexican army had not won the battle that day, the Southwestern United States could be a part of France today. The Mexican army fought that day for the values of freedom and liberty, the same values that we celebrate today in the United States.

Today, that same spirit is evident in Mexican – American culture, and we pay tribute to that great spirit on Cinco de Mayo.

Many Mexicans and Mexican Americans have made the United States their homes, especially in the Southwestern United States, and here in California. Their rich culture is one of the threads woven into the blanket of American society and their contributions to our nation have shaped what we consider to be American culture today.

Today there are nearly 40 million Latinos living in the United States. Latinos are the fastest growing minority population in the United States. Latinos have made great contributions in all aspects of American life – the arts, sports, the corporate world, science, and much more. Latinos have fought in all of America’s wars, beginning with the Revolutionary War. Many Latinos are fighting and dying for our country today in Iraq, just as several of their ancestors fought for freedom in Mexico over a century ago.

Though the battle was a Mexican event, the commemoration of this date has become an American tradition. It serves as a reminder that the foundation of our nation was built by people from many nations and diverse cultures that were willing to fight and die for freedom.

As you celebrate this momentous day, take a moment to reflect on the historical context of Cinco de Mayo, and where we would be if the Mexican army had not defeated the French on May 5, 1862.