[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF KOREAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 65th Anniversary of Korean Independence Day, and to join in the 
celebration of Gwang bok jeol.
  Gwang bok jeol, literally translated as ``Restoration of Light Day'' 
commemorates the 1945 liberation of Korea from Japanese rule. This 
holiday is the most important public holiday in South Korea.
  I am privileged to represent the 11th Congressional District of 
Virginia in the United States House of Representatives. This district 
is blessed by its diversity; our community is more than 40% minority 
and one in four residents is foreign born with Korean Americans 
comprising the largest single ethnic group. This diversity and vibrancy 
has enriched the entire region and contributed greatly to our robust 
economy, excellent schools, strong family values and achievement of 
common goals.
  I would like to commend the Korean American Association of the 
Washington Metropolitan Area, the Korean American Association of 
Northern Virginia and the Korean American Association of Maryland for 
their work on behalf of the Korean American community of the 
Washington, D.C. region. These organizations exemplify community 
commitment and dedication. They strive to maintain and protect the rich 
Korean culture while aiding in the transition of newer citizens to 
ensure full participation in American society.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
65th Anniversary of Korean Independence day. By joining in the 
celebration of Gwang bok jeol, we pay tribute the shared histories and 
mutual respect of our two nations.

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