Cinco de Mayo means many things to many people. Certainly there are liquor executives that have much riding on the success of their T.V. campaigns. Teachers around the country are preparing lesson plans to clarify that this is not Mexican Independence Day, but rather a celebration of the historical events in the battle of Puebla, where against all odds, a new Mexican government protected by a heavily peasant army defeated the French invaders in 1862.

For Rick Rodriguez, a successful second-generation Mexican American businessman who also had to battle against high odds, it means one thing – an opportunity to demonstrate pride for his roots as a member of the Mexican immigrant community in the U.S.A. How one chooses to celebrate is not constricted to elaborate ceremonies or having to wear attire of a certain color to avoid being punished with a pinch. For anyone of Mexican decent, just like on any other Mexican American celebratory occasion, a “Carne Asada” (Grilled marinated flank steak grilled over coals) meal with beans, Chips and Salsa would do just fine.

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