[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF DOMINICAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2005

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, on February 27, 2005, we celebrated the 161st 
anniversary of Dominican independence and the love of liberty that 
unites the Dominican Republic and the United States and stands as a 
symbol of freedom worldwide.
  The United States is a stronger and better country for the more than 
one million Dominicans who live here. New York City is even more 
culturally rich thanks to the more than 650,000 Dominicans who have 
settled there. I am proud that so many live in my Congressional 
District.
  We, the United States and the Dominican Republic, give each other 
strength by our mutual support. Americans have always supported 
Dominican independence and admire the free and fair elections that have 
helped to make the country a model for emerging democracies. Our 
friendship inspires us to work towards even greater democratic and 
economic development.
  We in the United States celebrate Dominican independence and the 
Dominican spirit, a spirit of liberty and courage--a spirit that values 
family and faith, education and service--the same spirit that has 
helped to shape America.
  Our nations will work together because our futures are bound to one 
another. Geography makes us neighbors, but our shared values make us 
friends--a friendship built on common customs and ideals.
  The fight for Dominican independence in 1844 continues to inspire us 
today. It shows that brave and determined people, committed to a noble 
cause, can do great good. That was true in the Dominican Republic just 
as it was true for the United States.
  We have come a long way together and we shall continue our journey 
together with respect and understanding, with mutual support, and with 
customary respect. Long Live the United States and Viva La Republica 
Dominicana.

                          ____________________