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CNN Live Saturday

Cinco de Mayo a Mexican Celebration of Liberty and National Pride

Aired May 05, 2001 - 15:01   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: Cinco de Mayo is being celebrated in many places. Of course, the holiday's major celebrations are in Mexico, which is commemorating a 19th century victory over French invaders.

Here's CNN's Chuck Roberts.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROBERTS: Most Americans probably associate Cinco de Mayo with festive music, food and fun. But ask them what they're celebrating, and you may just get a blank stare.

The history of the Cinco de Mayo celebration traces to 1862. It was on May 5th of that year that a rag-tag Mexican army defeated an occupying French force with twice as many troops at the battle of Puebla. That victory, which is reenacted in Mexico City, came to symbolize the Mexican resolve to a forge a true independence and put an end to intervention by other countries.

Although Mexico had declared independence from Spain 52 years earlier, military occupation by European powers continued through the 1860s. Under Napoleon III, France had sent troops to force payment of Mexico's debt and had plans for a permanent occupation. French forces remained in Mexico four years after the battle of Puebla, but eventually withdrew under continued resistance from the Mexican people.

So, when you raise your glass to toast the spirit of Cinco de Mayo today, know you're honoring the Mexican spirit of liberty and national pride.

Chuck Roberts, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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