[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19863]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE DOMINICAN RESTORATION DAY HOLIDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very important 
national holiday in the Dominican Republic, Restoration Day or El Dia 
de la Restauracion, celebrated annually on August 16.
  Although the Dominican Republic declared its independence from Spain 
in 1821, it wasn't until February 27, 1844, that they established 
constitutional self-rule. However, years later a series of internal 
events led a faction of government to call on Spain to reclaim their 
former Caribbean colony. With the United States in the middle of its 
own civil war, the Dominican people were left to their own resources to 
wage another battle for their country's freedom. Starting on August 16, 
1863, nationalists launched a counteroffensive against the Spanish 
crown, ultimately leading Spain to withdraw from the island of 
Hispaniola on March 3, 1865.
  For Dominicans, August 16 is a second Independence Day, a lasting 
symbol of the dedication of their community to be free. In the 
Dominican Republic, it has been, among other things, the traditional 
day when victorious candidates assume the presidency. In the United 
States, the day serves as a cultural holiday around which many hold 
concerts, festivals and other celebrations. In my own city of New York, 
there is a grand parade down Sixth Avenue, from 36th to 56th Streets. 
This year, it also marks the end of Dominican Heritage week, a time 
when New Yorkers of all ages get an opportunity to learn about this 
vibrant Latino community.
  So I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this holiday with 
Dominicans all over the world. The success of our current democracy in 
many ways depends on us never forgetting the sacrifice of those who 
have fought for the cause of freedom and peaceful self-rule all over 
the world.

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