[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE SONGS OF LIFE INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2008

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Bulgaria is an ally of 
the United States, and this Congress has recognized the Bulgarian 
people for preserving and continuing their tradition of ethnic and 
religious tolerance, Most recently, the House of Representatives passed 
House Resolution 1383, which recognized the 100th anniversary of the 
independence of Bulgaria.
  Through a grassroots movement organized by Kalin and Sharon Tchonev 
of Lexington, South Carolina, the American-Bulgarian partnership 
continues to strengthen. Kalin and Sharon have founded the Songs of 
Life International Choral Festival to be held this November 21st 
through December 1st. The festival will include performances in Plovdiv 
and Sofia, Bulgaria, as well as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel. It 
marks the 65th anniversary of the historic rescue of Bulgaria's Jews 
during the Holocaust and serves as an opportunity to connect citizens 
from these nations on cultural, educational, and spiritual levels. 
Songs of Life will bring together choirs, musicians, educators, and 
students from around the world.
  Just as our sister-city relationships serve to advance friendships 
and understanding among Americans and Bulgarians, the organizers of 
this festival hope and believe that it will have as positive an impact 
on an international level. Not only are the United States and Bulgaria 
allies, but we share common values and a belief in freedom. The Songs 
of Life International Choir Festival is a platform to share these 
values with the rest of the world.
  I wish to commend Kalin and Sharon Tchonev for their hard work in 
strengthening tlhe partnership between the United States and Bulgaria.

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