[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                CONGRATULATIONS TO COMMITTEE 20TH OF MAY

                                 ______


                       HON. ROBERT G. TORRICELLI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 1994

  Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I address my colleagues in the House today, for I rise to extend 
my most sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the Committee 20th of 
May on its successful commemoration of the 92d anniversary of the 
establishment of the Cuban Republic.
  After centuries of Spanish domination which dated from its 1492 
founding by the Spanish-backed explorer Christopher Columbus, Cuba was 
liberated in its 1898 struggle for independence. In 1902, after 4 years 
under U.S. protection, Cuba declared itself a republic and joined the 
ranks of democratic nations throughout the world.
  Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Committee 20th of May--
under the able leadership of its president, Mr. Alfredo Chumaceiro--
both the parade and general celebration of the 20 de mayo provided a 
poignant reminder of the importance of this watershed occasion. 
Although Cubans now find themselves subjected to the despotism of a 
ruthless dictator, the committee's celebration offered an appropriate 
forum for the recognition of the courageous men and women who 
sacrificed their lives in bringing freedom to the Pearl of the 
Antilles. More importantly, the celebration instills in us the hope 
that after decades of tyrannical oppression, Cuban democracy will once 
again reign supreme.
  I applaud the efforts of el committee 20 de mayo, and I thank its 
members for having made this celebration of Cuban democracy such an 
enormous success. As we look to the future, we remain confident that 
the spirit of liberty and democracy will remain in the hearts of all 
Cubans throughout the world, and that one day--not so far off in the 
future--we will we able to commemorate this historic event on Cuban 
soil.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to pay tribute to the exceptional men and 
women who organized this important event, and I call on all of my 
colleagues to join me in voicing support for the restoration of Cuban 
democracy.

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