[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE HONORING THE 109TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ILINDEN UPRISING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 109th 
Anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising. On August 2, 1903, the Macedonian 
people rose together to fight for their freedom. Today is a cause for 
true celebration.
  The Ilinden Uprising's ideas were rooted in the ideals of the 
American and French Revolutions. The Macedonian people fought for an 
independent state, whose people would enjoy civil liberties and be free 
in their pursuit of happiness.
  Macedonia's forefathers fought bravely for the Macedonian nationhood, 
and their dream became a reality in 1991, when the Republic of 
Macedonia became free, independent and sovereign.
  I would also like to take a moment to congratulate the Macedonian-
American community in my district, in New Jersey, and throughout the 
entire United States on the progress their homeland has achieved. Today 
marks the Anniversary of a huge step towards an independent Macedonia, 
and I am happy to support the Republic of Macedonia as it continues to 
move forward on its path to full NATO membership.
  I am always pleased to recognize and commemorate historic occasions 
such as this one. As a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on 
Macedonia and Macedonian-Americans, I again commemorate the 109th 
Anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising in Macedonia.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, all Macedonian 
people, and me, in recognizing the 109th Anniversary of the Ilinden 
Uprising in Macedonia.

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