[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, the United States is familiar 
with its own stories of brave men and women who fought to break the 
bonds of tyranny and form a new democracy. The walls of this chamber 
and the surrounding Capitol complex remind us daily of our proud 
history. But I want to share with you today the story of another like 
minded group of individuals on the other side of the world who also 
dared to demand freedom for their people. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to 
recognize the centennial anniversary of Republic of China in Taiwan.
  One hundred years ago, on October 10th, 1911, under the inspiration 
of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the Republic of China began by throwing off the 
bonds of the Wuchang dynasty in order to create the first Republic in 
Asia. This year the Republic of China (Taiwan) celebrates the 
centennial of its National Independence Day, also known as ``Double Ten 
Day''.
  The United States and Taiwan not only share a similar story of self-
determination but we continue to maintain a strong and vital 
friendship. The people of Taiwan have made clear through the years, 
their appreciation and gratitude for the support the United States has 
provided Taiwan through the decades. This friendship has been evidenced 
through investment and economic development, through cultural and 
social exchanges, and even through the military support shared between 
our two peoples. Taiwan has stood with the United States to combat 
global terrorism; and the people of Taiwan have always given generously 
in our greatest times of need. Throughout the past ten decades we have 
become not just allies, but great friends.
  As the Republic of China (Taiwan) enters into her second century of 
democracy, it is just as important that the United States stand with 
her 23 million citizens to face the challenges of the next hundred 
years. Surely there will be struggles, political and economic, at home 
and abroad. As we continue to engage other nations around the globe, we 
must remember that in our Taiwanese friends we have a nation ready to 
stand with us in the effort to promote freedom, tolerance, and 
democracy.
  On this very special day, the United States joins with the Taiwanese 
people to recognize the sacrifice of those who made Double Ten Day 
possible so many years ago, and we reaffirm that our friendship remains 
steadfast. I ask my colleagues to please join me in extending to 
President Ma Ying-jeou the good wishes of the United States House of 
Representatives on this centennial anniversary.

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