I recently read again the story of the May 5, 1862, Battle of Puebla, better known as the Battle of Cinco de Mayo. In it, a mix of poorly equipped militia and army troops under Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza faced elements of the Grand European Army of France led by General Charles Latrille, Count of Lorencez, who sought a quick end of the enemy by a frontal assault.
It did not work. The Count’s arrogance would not allow respect for the Mexican opponent and so he ordered a second assault and was defeated again.
The French returned to the Veracruz to secure reinforcements and returned to take Mexico City. What followed was a retreat of President Benito Juarez and his government all the way to Ciudad Juarez across from El Paso, Texas and a 5-year (1862-1867) struggle to free the country of the invaders and get rid of Emperor Maximilian installed by the French.
But it was the Battle of Cinco de Mayo that captured the imagination of enough people that, in many places in Mexico and the United States, buildings and ceremonies to honor Ignacio Zaragoza became part of the binational landscape. The Chicano Movement took note of the anti-European theme of the story and in 1972 made Cinco de Mayo an activist celebration as well as another symbol of Chicano resistance to injustice.
The concept of the strong bullying the weak and the underdog has been one that has played out again and again in world history. An example of that is the Russian special operation that was supposed to dominate Ukraine in hours if not days.
Another example is what the United States now is doing to Iran. America’s most powerful military has again come back into Middle Eastern politics and laid wasted to that country.
There is also another side to many of those stories. In the case of Mexico, the underdog eventually won after 5 years due to the sheer will of its leadership and the support of the people.
With the help of the international community, Ukraine appears to be holding its own. In this case, Russia invaded on February 24, 2022, and expected to be done quickly. Now it is over 4 years later and there seems to be no end in sight.
With regards to Iran, the stated American timeline of the war seems a lot like that of Russia’s intentions in Ukraine. It was supposed to be a devastating attack by our military and a quick Iranian surrender to American demands. Then there would be a declaration victory and a return home.
However, I keep thinking of the 444 days the Carter had to endure at the hands of Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis. At that time, Iran clearly understood American politics and did its part to make President Carter the election loser.
So, I do not think that the affair with Iran will be brought to closure early as President Trump planned. I sense that Iran will find a way to take revenge because this is what they do in that part of the world.
The Cinco de Mayo celebration no longer possesses the seriousness that Chicanos envisioned. But it is a celebration with a prominent Spanish name.
The event will be held at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver on May 2nd and 3rd. It promises to be fun for all of the family. Please remember that there will be a large crowd. So be careful as you enjoy the great historical day.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of LaVozColorado. Comments and responses may be directed to News@lavozcolorado.com.
