President Obama hosted a reception at the White House Thursday to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. In attendance were the Ambassador Arturo Sarukhán, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Chairman Charlie Gonzalez of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Ballet Folklórico from Georgetown University.

President Obama addressed the crowd, recognizing the importance of the Latino community:

"Right now, there are more than 50 million Americans of Latino descent -- one sixth of our population. You’re our neighbors, our coworkers, our family, our friends. You're starting businesses. You’re teaching in classrooms. You’re defending this country. You’re driving America forward.

And for our part, we know that securing our future depends on making sure that all Americans have the opportunity to reach their potential. And that's why we’ve worked hard over the last three and a half years to create jobs; to make sure you get the care you need when you get sick; to make college affordable for everybody; to ensure that no matter where you are, where you come from, what you look like, what your last name is -- even if it's Obama -- you can make it if you try."

Read the President's full remarks here and share with your friends.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo.