Congressional Statements

Wilson: Commemorating India's Independence Day

Statement in House of Representatives
July 24, 2002

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, on August 15, 1947, India became an independent nation. Just as Americans look forward to their day of freedom every July 4, people of all faiths come together in India to celebrate a struggle for independence begun by Mahatma Gandhi.

Both America and India fought against British domination to secure freedom for their nations. People in both countries cherish the freedoms found in our respective constitutions, such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The framers of India's constitution were greatly influenced by the founding fathers of America, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and George Washington.

America is now the world's oldest parliamentary democracy and India the world's largest democracy. The future looks bright for both of our countries. We have grown closer since victory in the Cold War, and rightfully so since we share the same values. America and India should take action to boost our bilateral trade and must coordinate defense strategies to maintain stability in South Asia. Both America and India serve as models for democracy and freedom around the world. And our independence days are symbols of these achievements.