May 9, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 7487 which has nearly 40 years of school feeding try. I think Senator McGovern prob- House, the gentleman from (Mr. experience. Working with other charities and ably said it best when he said we had a HINOJOSA) is recognized for 5 minutes. aid groups, WFP can ensure that the other moral responsibility as a country with Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, this necessary aspects such as teacher training, our rich and valuable natural resources past weekend, I had the pleasure of sanitation and health inputs are coordi- nated. and our abundant and very safe food joining my constituents in Goliad, In an era of cynicism and weariness about supply to help people who cannot help Texas to celebrate . Third World problems, using food surpluses themselves. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with to feed and help educate poor children may And I say to the gentleman from music, with dancing, with great food seem like a surprisingly simple way to make Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN), that and, yes, and Mr. Speaker, with great an impact. But a hot meal to a poor student the gentleman has done a magnificent speeches. today is key to helping him or her become a job in getting our colleagues to be very Texas A&M associate professor, literate, self-reliant adult tomorrow. This excited about this, to be enthusiastic, Armando Alonzo, said so eloquently, could become the first generation in human history that is finally free from the scourge and I am so very pleased also that the and I quote, ‘‘The important thing of hunger. Senate is participating about this celebration is that it comes from the citizens of the community, f as well with their bill. Madam Speaker, let me say that not from scholars, not from politicians, THE GEORGE MCGOVERN-ROBERT from an agricultural standpoint, there or those of us who are at universities DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD are many, many benefits for the United with special training.’’ FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NU- States economy for international food Although the holiday has spread TRITION ACT OF 2001 assistance. We have done this for throughout the world, its true spirit is The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. many, many years as a country. I am in communities like Goliad, Texas, MORELLA). Under a previous order of very hopeful that this will be a policy where people honor the value of their the House, the gentlewoman from Mis- that we perpetuate, that we are able to Mexican history and culture and the souri (Mrs. EMERSON) is recognized for get the rest of the world involved in, contributions that Mexican Americans 5 minutes. but, most importantly, this kind of for- have made across the spectrum of Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, I eign assistance. American life. want to join with the gentleman from U.S. food aid helps alleviate poverty. Mr. Speaker, I stand before my col- Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN), my It promotes economic growth to the re- leagues as a proud first generation good friend, to talk about the global cipient countries, and this is very, very Texan, born of Mexican immigrant par- food for our education bill, and also to important, because as incomes in de- ents who came to the United States as thank the gentleman for doing such a veloping countries rise, then we know children in 1910. tremendous job in leading the charge that consumption patterns change, and Mr. Speaker, Goliad is the true heart forward on this particular legislation we also know that food and other im- of Cinco de Mayo, because it is the that I think is so very, very important ports of U.S. goods and services in- birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza, for all of the children in the world who crease. the young Mexican general who de- have no means to get a nutritional In fact, back in 1996, 9 of the top 10 feated the French at the battle of meal, and also because of the impor- agricultural importers of U.S. products on May 5, 1862. This triumph tance that it will mean for our farmers were food aid recipients. While we are was not only a military victory, but a in America who are now suffering from shipping food aid abroad, it is impor- moral victory over tyranny and oppres- the fourth year of low commodity tant for people to understand that sion. prices, whose revenues will probably most of the money stays in the United General Zaragoza is rightly called decrease in the neighborhood of about States. the ‘‘George Washington of .’’ $4 billion this year. The domestic beneficiaries of U.S. His dedication to the cause of freedom This legislation, quite frankly, is a food aid exports include our agricul- and democracy is an inspiration and win-win for the American farmer, and tural producers and suppliers, our proc- challenge to us all. it is a win-win for children all over the essors, our millers, edible oil refiners, General Zaragoza was born in Goliad, world who desperately need food assist- packaging, manufacturing, rail and Texas on March 24, 1829. He was the son ance and who need an education. motor transportation lines; I could go of a soldier, but was educated as a Madam Speaker, I am particularly on and on and on. Most every State in priest. He was a small businessman for excited and motivated by the vision of the country does benefit from food aid a short time, but his passionate sup- former Senator and now Ambassador exports, in spite of the fact that most port of Mexico’s struggle for democ- George McGovern and former Senator people would not knowingly think that racy led him to follow his father into Bob Dole who really led the charge they were agricultural States. military service. early in this fight against hunger, back I think that we must do everything During the years of the War of the many years ago when they were both possible to help the world’s hungry Reform in 1857 to 1860, he joined with serving in the Senate. children. When my late husband Bill the legendary Benito Juarez and fought It is also a very important issue for came back from a trip in the Sudan, in numerous battles, including the Bat- members of my family, because my when he came back from various trips tle of Calpulalpan, which ended the late husband Bill was so very instru- to Ethiopia and other countries, it was War of Reform. mental in bringing the issue of hunger, a very, very sad experience. He would His military brilliance in those 4 both domestically and internationally, hold dying children in his arms, chil- years was recognized, and he quickly into the Congress and worked so close- dren who were 12 years old and 13 years moved up the ranks to general. When ly with his friend, the late Mickey Le- old, who were about the size of a 3- Mexican President Juarez was forced to land, as well as the gentleman from year-old or 4-year-old, who did not declare a moratorium on Mexico’s Eu- Ohio (Mr. HALL) and the gentleman weigh anything, who had no oppor- ropean debt in order to salvage the from Virginia (Mr. WOLF). tunity to go to school. bankrupt economy, Spain, England, I know that we all share a common Mr. Speaker, I just want to say in and France sent their fleets and forced desire to try to help as many people as closing, then, that I hope that more the surrender of Veracruz. we can all over the world, and I am people will help all of us help children Because General Zaragoza was serv- particularly hopeful that we will be all over the world, as well as the Amer- ing as head of the War Ministry, Presi- successful in passing this legislation as ican farmer. dent Juarez initially sent one of his a stand-alone, but if not, hopefully it f other generals to Veracruz, Mexico. will be part of the next farm bill as it When the general saw the awesome is written. CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION forces of the great European powers I cannot think of anything that is The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. arrayed in front of Veracruz, he imme- more important for us to do as a coun- TOOMEY). Under a previous order of the diately resigned.

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:33 Mar 01, 2005 Jkt 089102 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR01\H09MY1.001 H09MY1 7488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE May 9, 2001 President Juarez then turned to Gen- The Rio Grande River—a Heritage River, tory and our culture for the entire commu- eral Zaragoza to lead the Army of the has become a bridge between two peoples nity. Professor Americo Paredes, who died East. Although the Spanish and the and two rich cultures. We all prosper through two years ago, said the Mexican experience English withdrew after negotiations open communication, undying friendship and in Texas is part of the story of ‘‘Greater Mexico.’’ In his works 50 years ago Professor with President Juarez, the French growing trade. This, too, is a lesson of Cinco Paredes explained how cultural influences, army, recognized as the finest army in de Mayo. General Zaragoza helped preserve such as language, music, the corridos, that the world at that time, began its our Union by defeating the French troops. are familiar to us, theater, and other factors march towards . Napoleon Today, trade with Mexico is helping to drive made Texas a part of ‘‘Greater Mexico.’’ III had dreams of an empire in the our booming economy and strengthening the Today we see this ‘‘Greater Mexico’’ through Americas, with Mexico as its center, in North American continent. In this inter- the flow of trade and people. I look at the alliance with the Confederate States of dependent world, we truly need each other. Rio Grande not as a political boundary but America. However, standing in the way As you can see, I—Congressman HINOJOSA as a bridge between two peoples and two cul- of French conquest was General am very proud to represent and speak in the tures. The Rio Grande is a bridge that con- nects us together rather than divides us. For Zaragoza. Halls of Congress for Goliad and Goliad Coun- ty. I am starting early—I am extending a very us in Texas especially, ‘‘Greater Mexico’’ is The young Mexican general was de- part of our daily lives. In fact our roots can termined to make his stand at Pueblo, cordial invitation to Mexican President be traced to Coabuila from which the Span- 100 miles east of the capital. He did not Vincente Fox and President George W. Bush ish colonization of the provincia de Los know it could not be done. His ill- to jointly visit Goliad, Texas during May of Tejas proceeded. As a matter of fact, the set- equipped and outnumbered Army was 2002 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. I want to tlers initially called this land, Texas, Las composed of farmers, Indians, militia extend the invitation to all of you, my col- Nuevas Filipinas (in honor of King Philip of and many young residents of Puebla. leagues in Congress, as well. Spain). Nuevo Leon and Nuevo Santander Many had obsolete firearms or they Mr. Speaker, include for the record an ex- also helped colonize Texas by sending set- used rocks, sticks and machetes. emplary speech given at Saturday’s Goliad tlers. So as we can see, the history of Texas The French forces attacked on May 5, Cinco de Mayo celebration by Professor is connected to Mexico in different ways. Armando C. Alonzo, an Associate Professor of In Zaragoza we have a Tejano who is a hero 1862. The battle lasted throughout the of Mexico. Ignacio de Zaragoza was born in day. Despite repeated assaults by the History at Texas A&M University into the this little village, in this pueblito in Texas French cavalry and infantry, General RECORD immediately following my remarks. but his work, his values and his love were for Zaragoza’s army held. They were fight- EXCERPTS FROM TALK GIVEN BY PROF. his country, his patria, instead of for ing for their homes and their families ARMANDO C. ALONZO AT THE CINCO DE MAYO Santiago Vidaurri, the strongman of Nuevo and they would not be denied a victory. CELEBRATION Leon. Through his mother, who was part of The French were forced to retreat in Good morning. I’m very happy to be here the Seguins of San Antonio, he was a multi- defeat. After that battle, General today with all of you for today’s celebration generation citizen of Texas. Ignacio de and I want to thank the Society of General Zaragoza proved he was a man of com- Zaragoza was a Texan of Hispanic origin, a Ignacio Zaragoza for inviting me to be part son of Texas who moved with his father to passion as well as valor. He ordered his of this important event along with the city the lower Valley and then to Nuevo Leon. medical staff to treat the French and county officials as well as Congressman The legacy of General Zaragoza is the value wounded. He received a hero’s welcome Ruben Hinojosa. I’m always happy to be in and worth that his life gives to our history in Mexico City, but while visiting his Goliad because I also have some roots in this and culture. That is what this community is own sick troops, he contracted typhoid area because my father was born and raised celebrating today. fever and died soon after, on September in Yorktown, not very far from here. I want Thank you very much. I hope you have a 8, 1862. He was only 33 years old. He was to make two points today without going too good day. much into the historical facts of General f given a state funeral; and on Sep- Zaragoza’s victory over the French in 1862 tember 11, 1862, President Benito because others have already talked about EXPRESSING SORROW AT THE UN- Juarez declared May 5, Cinco de Mayo, that. TIMELY PASSING OF STEVE a national holiday. One of the important things about this GREEN This weekend’s celebrations in celebration is that it comes from the citizens Goliad were even more special as the of the community not from scholars, politi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a birthplace of General Zaragoza was re- cians, or those of us who are at universities previous order of the House, the gen- opened to the public and rededicated with special training. It’s important that tleman from California (Mr. HUNTER) is events like this be planned and organized by recognized for 5 minutes. after several months of renovation. the people in the community because history Mr. Speaker, I want to especially Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to is made by the people of these communities. take this time to talk about a great thank Lupita Barrera and the Texas Trade and the economy are certainly impor- Department of Parks and Wildlife for tant but this celebration reminds us of the loss to San Diego, a great loss to jour- the wonderful job they did restoring value that history and culture have for Mex- nalism and a great loss to our Nation, this great man’s home. ico and its citizens and for Texas and its citi- and that is the untimely passing of Mr. Speaker, I am extending an invi- zens. The people in this community have Steve Green of Copley Press. tation to the two Presidents of Mexico taken the time and effort to celebrate our Steve had a long career in jour- and the United States to come to history and culture and that is very impor- nalism. He worked as a reporter for the tant because of the impact that this kind of old Washington Star. He used to get Goliad, Texas this next year. events have for our children and for the en- The people of Goliad are proud and deter- tire community. Even though we are about a the scoop on his better-financed opposi- mined to keep the legacy of General Zaragoza thousand miles from Puebla where the battle tion and adversaries in the Washington alive. The little town and surrounding commu- took place, this celebration still has connec- Post. He later went on to the Wash- nities have taken the time not only to cele- tions and its far-reaching impact is evident ington Post and worked for them dur- brate, but also to teach their children the true by the fact that there are people here from ing the Watergate period and was the lesson of Cinco de Mayo; namely, the freedom the sister city of Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Mex- kind of guy who really knew how to get we now enjoy has a price, and each succes- ico, from other parts of the country, and we a scoop, how to follow a story until he even have a direct descendant of a soldier got everything out of that story. sive generation must be vigilant and willing to who fought at the —the lady continue the fight if freedom is to endure. who lives in South Texas, whose grandfather He later went to work for Copley Goliad is over a thousand miles away from fought at the battle. Press and was ultimately the bureau Puebla, Mexico. Yet the citizens of Goliad Memory helps to keep our history alive. chief in the Washington Bureau of have adopted Puebla and Hidalgo, Nuevo This celebration is a memory of an impor- Copley Press, and it was there that I Leon, Mexico, the birthplace of General tant historical event—the battle that took and the other members of the San Zaragoza’s wife, Rafaela Padilla, as sister cit- place on the Cinco de Mayo. It’s important Diego delegation and lot of other folks for parents to connect the memory of that ies. Cooperation, trade and interaction among event to our culture and history and pass it in politics in Washington, DC got to the three cities is vigorous. People along the on to our children. know Steve. border realize that what affects their neighbors This celebration, which goes back at least The reason I am talking about Steve affects them as well. 55 years, keeps the memory alive of our his- today is because I think that Steve

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:33 Mar 01, 2005 Jkt 089102 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0687 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR01\H09MY1.001 H09MY1