Cinco De Mayo
By Jim Yerman
Happy Cinco de Mayo, a day to party while clad in red and white and green
To drink Coronas and eat Mexican rice with a side of refried beans.
You could drink a Margarita, or around a glass of Dos Equis your hand might be curled
As you believe at least for a day you could be the most interesting man in the world.
But there is something you should know about Cinco de Mayo…something to remember.
It does not celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day, (that’s the 16th of September) .
Today celebrates the Battle of Puebla where a small number of Mexicans stopped the advance
Of the larger, more equipped and better trained oncoming army of France.
It celebrates freedom and courage and pride in the face of an unbeatable foe
It celebrates the Mexican heritage and the people of Mexico.
In truth when we take the time to celebrate another countries spirit it’s not very far from our thoughts
To remember and celebrate our own country and the battles for freedom we’ve fought.
It reminds us that freedom is precious, and should come with some chivalry
For we know the only way to enjoy freedom is for everyone to be free.
It’s a time to remember that freedom has a price, not just today but every day.
For there are many people out in the world who would take that freedom away.
So as you raise a glass this Cinco de Mayo as you celebrate vociferously
Remember in a way you’re celebrating all people who fight for the right to be free.