[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24413]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            NINETY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF TAIWAN NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to 
acknowledge the 92nd Anniversary of Taiwan National Day. I wish to join 
my fellow colleagues in commemorating and sending out our best wishes 
to Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bain and the Vice President Annette Lu, 
as well as all the people of Taiwan as they celebrate their National 
Day. As a representative of The United States, I would like to commend 
the President and Vice President for their continued support and 
participation in the international community.
  Taiwan National Day has a big significance in the lives of many 
people in Taiwan. Ninety-two years ago Taiwan became independent from 
Socialist China and strived to pursue a greater way of life as a 
democracy. There have been some setbacks and progress as with any 
developing democracy, but in the end democracy for this country 
prevailed. Just like the 4th of July in the United States, October 10th 
symbolizes freedom and liberty for the Taiwanese people. As a friend of 
Taiwan, I feel that we should honor them and their day.
  Mr. Speaker on this 92nd Anniversary of Taiwan National Day, it is 
imperative to remember that Taiwan has a strong relationship with the 
United States. We hope that by celebrating with them we can show our 
support for their independence, and strengthen our international ties 
with our friends in the Asia, and strong U.S. ally in the region.
  I wish Taiwan a happy National Day, and hope that our social, 
economic, political, and military relations continue to flourish into 
the future.

                          ____________________