Reuters

Marking the Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, Mexican holiday, President Bush yesterday issued a statement hailing the "vibrant culture and deep commitment to faith,
family, and community" of Mexican Americans, who "enriched our society and contributed to the diversity that makes our nation strong."

But unlike his May 5 statements the previous two years, Bush failed to mention Mexican President Vicente Fox, who opposed the U.S. war in Iraq.

Cinco de Mayo marks the day Mexico defeated a French army in the town of Puebla in 1862.

Bush also recalled the "many Mexican Americans serving in our armed forces who are working to bring freedom and justice to oppressed people." Nearly 9 percent
of those serving in the U.S. armed forces are Hispanic.

Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Ernesto Derbez will meet with U.S. officials Wednesday in Washington in an effort to mend ties.

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