[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 150 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H8546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF BULGARIA'S CENTURY OF INDEPENDENCE

  (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, today is the 100th 
anniversary of independence for the people of the Republic of Bulgaria.
  On September 22, 1908, Bulgaria emerged from the control of the 
Ottoman Empire as an independent nation. Following World War II, 
Bulgaria was subject to totalitarian rule for much of the 20th century 
until the defeat of communism in the beginning of the 1990s.
  Today, Bulgaria is a dynamic member of NATO and the European Union. I 
am grateful for the growing partnership between the United States and 
Bulgaria, in particular their courageous military contributions in the 
global war on terrorism. Last month, I was grateful to visit our 
extraordinary friends during a visit to joint Bulgaria-U.S. training 
bases in Bulgaria.
  As the co-chair of the Bulgarian Caucus, I have seen firsthand for 
the people of Bulgaria this remarkable achievement of freedom and 
democracy. The friendship between Bulgaria and America has never been 
stronger. Much credit is due to the professionalism of the departing 
ambassador, Ambassador Elena Poptodorova.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th.

                          ____________________