Nine Hispanic National Football League representatives will join President George W. Bush at the White House Friday for a Cinco de Mayo Reception.
Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is a national holiday in Mexico, marking the triumph of the "spirit of freedom" for the people of Mexico.
The President and First Lady Laura Bush will attend the event along with other invited guests. The reception, in the East Room of the White House, will be held on Friday at 2:00 PM ET.
The Hispanic NFL representatives will be San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia, Atlanta Falcons center Roberto Garza, St. Louis Rams center Frank Garcia and Rams Player Personnel Programs Coordinator Ray Ogas, Green
Bay Packers guard Marco Rivera, Cincinnati Bengals guard Victor Leyva, San Diego Chargers linebacker Zeke Moreno, Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Juan Castillo and Eagles linebackers coach Ron Rivera.
"This is just an unbelievable honor," said the 49ers' Garcia. "I am truly grateful to be a part of the celebration."
The Falcons' Garza agrees.
"It is a great privilege to be able to go to the White House and meet the President and the First Lady," said Garza. "It was great of the NFL to arrange for players and coaches with Hispanic and Latin backgrounds to travel to Washington and take part in recognizing this holiday."
The celebration will feature Mariachi bands and ballet folklorico dancers and other entertainment.
