[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1316-E1317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PERUVIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 1996

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 175th 
anniversary of Peruvian independence. On July 28, 1821, Don Jose de San 
Martin led rebel troops in freeing Peru from Spanish rule. The 
victories of this Peruvian national hero in many ways laid the 
foundation for independence for all of South America.
  I am proud to say that in the Eighth Congressional District of New 
Jersey, this great day is going to be remembered with all the fanfare 
it deserves. From July 20 to 28, we will celebrate Peruvian Heritage 
Days. The days will consist of numerous activities to enhance public 
awareness of Peruvian history and cultural heritage, and the crowning 
event will be the parade on Sunday, the 28th. I know from personal 
experience that it will be both interesting and entertaining.
  Mr. Speaker, on this most auspicious occasion, I feel compelled to 
point out that this day should be a special one not only for Peruvians 
and Peruvian-Americans, but for freedom-loving people everywhere. 
Neither the United States nor Peru would be the proud countries we know 
today if people who came before us had not stood up for their rights, 
and demanded national sovereignty and independence.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, allow me to add that regardless of whether you 
favor the melting

[[Page E1317]]

pot or the mixed salad analogy, the underlying truth of the matter 
remains: We are a nation of immigrants. As the grandson of immigrants, 
I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be to assimilate into a new 
society while still remembering your roots. The community of Peruvian-
Americans in my district has succeeded in doing just that. For their 
immeasurable contributions to the richness of our society, I applaud 
all of the legal immigrants who collectively make up the fabric of 
these United States. We are all unique individuals, but we truly are 
also one Nation under God.

                          ____________________