May 5 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2004 Message on the Observance of Cinco de Mayo, 2004 May 5, 2004 I send greetings to those celebrating neighbors, we are partners in building a Cinco de Mayo. safer, more democratic, and more pros- On May 5, 1862, Mexican soldiers held perous hemisphere. The United States con- back an invading army at the Battle of tinues to share close ties of family, culture, Puebla. This victory played a decisive role and history with Mexico and the Mexican in the eventual expulsion of foreign forces people, and we recognize the vital role from Mexico in 1867. Led by Texas-born Mexican Americans play in shaping our Na- Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza, a small tion. We look forward to a future of contin- outnumbered militia of freedom-loving sol- ued friendship and collaboration with Mex- diers halted the invasion of their country. ico as we work to advance peace and de- One hundred forty-two years after this vic- mocracy in the world. tory, Cinco de Mayo pays tribute to the Laura joins me in sending our best wish- bravery and victory of General Zaragoza’s es for a joyous celebration. soldiers and the strong, independent spirit of the Mexican people. GEORGE W. BUSH This observance is also a time to cele- brate the strong friendship between the NOTE: An original was not available for United States and Mexico. More than verification of the content of this message. Statement Announcing a Request to Congress for the Establishment of a Contingency Reserve Fund May 5, 2004 This morning, Secretary Rumsfeld and I ments to our troops and to make sure we discussed recommendations from our com- succeed in these critical fronts in the war manders in Iraq and Afghanistan about ad- on terror. As my administration has pre- ditional resources that they may require. viously said, we will pursue a full FY 2005 While we do not know the precise costs supplemental request when we can better for operations next year, recent develop- estimate precise costs. ments on the ground and increased de- Our troops in Iraq are performing su- mands on our troops indicate the need to perbly in their efforts to help the Iraqi plan for contingencies. We must make sure people realize a free and peaceful future. there is no disruption in funding and re- I have pledged to our troops that they will sources for our troops. have all the resources they need to get I am requesting that Congress establish a $25 billion contingency reserve fund for the job done, and I look forward to working the coming fiscal year to meet all commit- with Congress on this high priority. 776 1 2005 11:38 Dec 19 2006 Jkt 201942 PO 00000 Frm 00776 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\201942A 019 201942A.