Letter from Governor of Pennsylvania regarding 10th Anniversary of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

GREETINGS:

It gives me great pleasure to join with the Azerbaijan Society of America in welcoming all those gathered in observance of the 10" Anniversary of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Our country was founded on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and continues to grow and prosper as we celebrate this profound dimension of our lives. The Azerbaijan struggle for independence echoes these fundamental precepts. Your ancestors' heroic actions in their toils for freedom from the Soviet regime remind us of the great price and the great rewards that the struggle for independence entails. Today marks a very special day in which the traditions of freedom and independence are revered and honored.

As Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I would like to commend Azerbaijan Society of America for their contributions and dedicated service to the Commonwealth. On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I extend my best wishes as you observe the 10th Anniversary of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

MARK SCHWEIKER