[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 31 (Saturday, February 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E393-E394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING NATIONAL DAY OF SERBIA AND HONORING SERBIA FOR 125 YEARS OF 
              DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELISSA L. BEAN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 16, 2007

  Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Day of 
Serbia, which observes the anniversary of the adoption of Serbia's 
first modern constitution in 1835. In addition, this year marks 
Serbia's first National Day as an independent nation-state.
  February 15th is also Armed Forces Day in Serbia which commemorates 
the beginning of

[[Page E394]]

the first Serbian uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1804. On this 
day over 200 years ago, Serbians began the arduous effort to gain 
independence after nearly 300 years of Ottoman rule.
  Finally, this year marks 125 years of diplomatic relations between 
the United States and Serbia. A strong democratic Serbia is crucial to 
the future of the former Yugoslav republics, the Balkans, and the rest 
of eastern Europe. Strong ties with the United States are necessary as 
Serbia looks to encourage international investment, expand its economy 
and move forward into the future.
  Madam Speaker, please join me, Serbian-Americans and the citizens of 
Serbia in remembering such an important date in their history.

                          ____________________