Vice Mayor John Kennedy Issues Cinco de Mayo Message

Today, Pasadena Vice Mayor John J. Kennedy issued the following “Cinco de Mayo” message:
Dear Friends and Neighbors

Happy Cinco de Mayo! many events will be taking place here in Pasadena and surrounding communities to commemorate this day of reflection, including songs at some of our local schools, a party at the Pasadena Senior Center, organized festivals, entertainment at local restaurants, and much more.

Cinco de Mayo falls on the anniversary of the battle of Puebla–fought over 150 years ago–and is celebrated for many reasons. On May 15,1862, a Mexican Army, although vastly outnumbered, repelled a foreign invasion. Accross the Atlantic, a single man declared himself an Emperor, effectively ending democracy in France, and turned his sites to America. According to historians, the battle’s victory on the 5th of May not only delayed the larger invasion of Mexico but also blocked the flow of foreign weapons used to arm the confederate Army of the South during the U.S. Civil War.

Today we acknowledge the lives lost and the conflicts in multiple countries, in which independence  and freedom were finally won for millions of people. Today when we read the history of America, we hear the stories of so many people who fought for their freedoms, for their future, for their families and for one another. Today we recognize there is so much that unites us as a city and community: hard work, sacrifice, hope, and respect..neighbor helping neighbor. Today we take a moment to cherish the liberties we enjoy for ourselves and our posterity. One Pasadena!