US Congressman Bill Pascrell held a speech in Congress congratulating Macedonia on its 109 year anniversary from the Ilinden uprising.

"I'd like to pay respect to Macedonia on the 109 year anniversary of the Ilinden uprising. On August 2nd, 1903 the Macedonians rose up to fight for their freedom. The ideals of the Ilinden uprising were based on the ideals of the French and American revolutions. 

The Macedonians fought for an independent country, in which all citizens can live freely and work towards their dreams. They bravely fought for their statehood, and the dream was finally fulfilled in 1991 when Macedonia became an independent nation. 

Allow me to congratulate the national holiday to all Macedonians in New Jersey, throughout the United States for the success their country has achieved. It will be my great pleasure to continue to offer my support to Macedonia on its path to full NATO membership, said Bill Pascrell, a notable member of the Macedonian friendship group in the US Congress.