Cinco de Mayo and Resilience Mexico lost the war, but won the battle. On May 5, 1862, with half as many men as the French, the Mexican soldiers of Puebla defeated their better-equipped enemy. Although their victory was short-lived, for the French regrouped and eventually established rule of the country, the May 5th battle is commemorated every year as Cinco de Mayo, honoring the boost in morale it gave the Mexican people. [1] The holiday symbolizes grit, perseverance, and resilience. It reminds us that, though threats may be great, when we come together, we can prevail. I think of a family I met once while waiting to visit my son…