[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14207]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING MACEDONIA'S INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2012

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Macedonian Community in honor of their Independence Day. On September 
8, 1991, the Republic of Macedonia voted to officially gain its 
independence from the former Yugoslavia beginning a new era in the 
proud history of the Macedonian people. By approving the referendum, 
the people decided that it was time for their country to forge its own 
path. This 21st anniversary of their independence provides us all an 
opportunity to recognize the Macedonian Community's significant 
contributions both within our country, and throughout the world.
  Macedonia has been a dedicated ally to the United States in the 
Global War on Terror and has done much to promote liberty and democracy 
throughout Europe and the world. With American cooperation and support, 
Macedonia has emerged as a center of multi-cultural peace and stability 
in a part of the world known for strife and ethnic tensions. Their 
staunch support of freedom makes them a model for other countries in 
the region, and their commitment to a U.S.-Macedonia relationship will 
lead to a richer, more prosperous future for citizens of both 
countries.
  As a way to recognize this partnership, I started the first 
Congressional Caucus on Macedonia and Macedonian-Americans. This Caucus 
is a bipartisan group of members of Congress dedicated to maintaining 
and strengthening a positive and mutually beneficial relationship 
between the United States and the Republic of Macedonia, as well as 
advocating for the concerns and interests of the Macedonian community 
in the United States.
  Michigan's 10th District has one of the largest populations of 
Macedonian-Americans in the Nation. I would like to acknowledge their 
contributions to our District and our State, and I look forward to 
continuing that relationship as we deal with the problems facing our 
great Nation.
  Again, congratulations to the Macedonian community for their 
achievements as we commemorate the anniversary of their independence.

                          ____________________