[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING AUGUST 15TH AS INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                           HON. JUDY BIGGERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate August 15th 
as Indian Independence Day--a day for all Americans to honor the 
hardships and sacrifices that paved the road to Indian freedom.
  After centuries of struggle and suffering under British rule, India 
won its independence from Great Britain on August 15th, 1947. Just as 
America struggled to achieve independence, thousands of Indian freedom 
fighters died in their efforts to attain sovereignty for India.
  Coincidentally, my own birthday falls on this same day as the birth 
of the world's largest democracy, and I am pleased to share in the 
celebration.
  Americans of Indian descent have made countless and distinguished 
contributions to the United States in numerous fields, including 
business, education, medicine, science, and public service. Nowhere is 
this more evident than in the 13th District of Illinois, which is home 
to a thriving Indian-American community deeply rooted in the traditions 
of Indian culture.
  To honor this day, the city of Naperville, Illinois will conduct a 
flag ceremony as a tribute to India's independence and will host a 
cultural celebration to commemorate the occasion with traditional 
patriotic dances and youth performances.
  Madam Speaker, let us join with Americans of Indian origin from 
across the country to celebrate Indian Independence Day and take this 
opportunity to appreciate the rich culture, traditions, and history 
that have contributed so much to the United States of America. I invite 
my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me, 
Naperville Mayor George Pradel, and the residents of the 13th 
Congressional District in celebration of India's Independence Day.

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