[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 132 (Wednesday, July 28, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S5145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 326--COMMEMORATING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
                  INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF PERU

  Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. Rubio, and Mr. Kaine) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign 
Relations:

                              S. Res. 326

       Whereas July 2021 marks two centuries of Peru's 
     independence from Spain, an occasion also referred to as 
     ``Las Fiestas Patrias'';
       Whereas Peru's proclamation of independence in July 1821 
     marked a historical turning point at a time when countries in 
     the hemisphere were collectively on a quest for independence 
     and freedom;
       Whereas Peru's Act of Independence was written by Manuel 
     Perez de Tudela--a prominent Peruvian attorney and patriot--
     and took place in Lima on July 15, 1821;
       Whereas, on July 28, 1821, Jose Francisco de San Martin--an 
     Argentine General who helped propel independence movements in 
     the region and who played a pivotal role in Peru's 
     independence--proclaimed at the Plaza de Armas, ``Since this 
     moment, Peru is free and independent by the general will of 
     the people and by justice of their cause that God defends. 
     Long live the Homeland! Long live freedom! Long live 
     independence!'';
       Whereas the road to Peru's independence consisted of a long 
     and arduous process, initiated decades prior through the 
     various uprisings of mestizo and indigenous populations who 
     protested their oppression and sought to improve their rights 
     and livelihoods;
       Whereas Peru's proclamation of independence marked the 
     beginning of the people of Peru's quest to establish a 
     government committed to advancing the democratic rights and 
     prosperity of its citizens;
       Whereas the United States established diplomatic relations 
     with Peru in 1827 and today both countries enjoy a strategic 
     partnership based on shared democratic values and interests 
     of democratic governance, the rule of law, security, economic 
     prosperity, and human rights;
       Whereas the bonds of association and friendship between the 
     peoples of the two countries have been strengthened by the 
     large number of Peruvians who have migrated to the United 
     States where they make significant contributions to both the 
     United States and Peru; and
       Whereas Peruvians and Peruvian-Americans residing in the 
     United States have enriched and added to the United States 
     way of life in the social, economic, and political arenas, 
     and Peru's rich identity and heritage have become an integral 
     part of the cultural tapestry of the United States: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commemorates the 200th anniversary of the independence 
     of Peru;
       (2) recognizes the historical significance of Peru's 
     independence in the Western Hemisphere and reaffirms its 
     commitment to supporting the people of Peru in their quest 
     for further development, stability, and prosperity;
       (3) expresses support for the principles of democratic 
     governance to which the people of Peru are committed; and
       (4) celebrates the contributions that Peruvians and 
     Peruvian Americans have made in the United States.

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