[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11383]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                COMMEMORATING COLOMBIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
rich history of Colombia as we mark Colombian Independence Day on July 
20. We honor the people of Colombia and those individuals of proud 
Colombian descent who are celebrating more than 200 years of 
independence.
  Colombians have been immigrating to Rhode Island for the past 50 
years, and I would like to thank them for their great contributions to 
our State. Simon Bolivar led the people of Colombia in the first 
raising of their flag, signifying their sovereignty and the birth of 
one of the most culturally rich nations in all of Latin America. Today 
we celebrate a great country, its people, their traditions, and the 
mark they have made on cities like Central Falls, Providence, and 
Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and others, adding to the vibrancy of these 
communities. For that alone, I am proud to honor your heritage and the 
difference you have made.
  And as I pay tribute to the people of the great Nation of Colombia, I 
also want to, again, extend my thoughts and sympathies to Colombians 
everywhere for the suffering that continues to occur because of the 
floods in your country. May we continue to be inspired to support the 
people of Colombia through this difficult time as we celebrate 
Colombian Independence Day and honor the enormous contributions of 
Colombian Americans.

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