[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H5320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMEMORATING INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on August 15, 1947, India 
became an independent nation. Just as Americans look forward to their 
day of freedom every July 4, people of all faiths come together in 
India to celebrate a struggle for independence begun by Mahatma Gandhi.
  Both America and India fought against British domination to secure 
freedom for their nations. People in both countries cherish the 
freedoms found in our respective constitutions, such as freedom of 
speech and freedom of religion. The framers of India's constitution 
were greatly influenced by the founding fathers of America, James 
Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and George Washington.
  America is now the world's oldest parliamentary democracy and India 
the world's largest democracy. The future looks bright for both of our 
countries. We have grown closer since victory in the Cold War, and 
rightfully so since we share the same values. America and India should 
take action to boost our bilateral trade and must coordinate defense 
strategies to maintain stability in South Asia. Both America and India 
serve as models for democracy and freedom around the world. And our 
independence days are symbols of these achievements.

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