"Rich and Patti" > wrote in message
news
>
> Mark Preston wrote:
>
> There is some historical opinion that the Battle of Puebla, May 5,
> 1862, was historically important to the United States as well as
> Mexico. The French, Spanish and English had come to Mexico supposedly
> to collect debts. The Spanish and English quickly did so and left.
> The French had more ambitious plans...annex Mexico, support and supply
> the Confederate Army to ultimately divide and destroy the United
> States. The underestimated Mexicans kept the French pre-occupied long
> enough for the Union Army to defeat the Confederates and preserve the
> Union. With the Civil War over, the U.S. sent its support south with
> supplies, arms and men to help the Mexicans defeat the French and win
> their independence. I'd say it's appropriate for U.S. citizens to
> offer a toast to the Mexican victory at Puebla and join the Mexicans
> in their celebration.
>

That, and at least some Americans fought on the Mexican side. These were
mostly anti-slave Texans who were prevented from joining up with the Union
army.

Bob Dietz