[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 26 (Monday, February 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING INAUGURATION OF MADAM PRESIDENT PARK GEUN-HYE, SOUTH 
                     KOREA'S FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join millions of people across 
the world in congratulating Madam President Park Geun-hye as she 
ascends to the Presidency. This historic occasion of swearing in a 
female to the head of government reflects the tremendous leaps that The 
Republic of Korea has made to become a shining example of one of the 
most successful democracies in the world. South Korea has emerged from 
the ashes of war into a giant in Asia and throughout the international 
community.
  As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Armistice and the 
mutual military treaty, I am pleased to reaffirm my commitment to 
strengthening the bloodshed U.S.-Korea alliance in my capacity as a 
Member of the U.S. Congress. South Korea is among the closest allies of 
the United States, having contributed troops in support of United 
States operations during the Vietnam war, Gulf war, and operations in 
Iraq and Afghanistan, while also supporting numerous United Nations 
peacekeeping missions throughout the world.
  In addition to being a major military ally to the United States, 
South Korea is our nation's seventh-largest trading partner. As the 
Ranking Member of House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, I look 
forward to working with President Park's Administration to implement 
the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
  As a Korean War Veteran, I could not be more proud to witness today's 
Dynamic Korea. Seoul's skyscrapers, booming businesses and rising 
apartment buildings are a testament to the resiliency and determination 
of the Korean people. I send my best wishes to President Park and 
applaud the people and country that will always hold a special place in 
my heart.

                          ____________________