[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 19154]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend 
India on its annual celebration of Independence Day on August 15, 1947. 
Happy 56th birthday, Republic of India, the world's largest democracy 
and friend of America, the world's oldest democracy.
  On that day, India became a free nation modeling its constitution 
after our own. For nearly 56 years the people of India have faithfully 
adhered to democratic principles. During the Cold War we were not 
allied as closely as we should have been. However, times have changed 
now. India's economy is rapidly reforming and historic joint military 
exercises are taking place between our two great nations.
  According to Ambassador Lalit Mansingh, trade between India and 
America soared 20 percent last year. Also, importantly, the Indian 
American community should be recognized for their leadership, 
entrepreneurship, family values and faith. Many Indian Americans left 
their homelands, immediately assimilated and have achieved great 
success in America. As cochair of the India Caucus I am so proud of 
this dynamic community in South Carolina and nationwide.
  It is my sincerest hope that this new friendship between the United 
States and India blossoms into a solid, serious relationship between 
mutual allies.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops.

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