William H. Frist: “in about an hour and a half we will receive the address by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. It all began on…”

“in about an hour and a half we will receive the address by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. It all began on November 22--not that long ago. On that icy Ukrainian day, hundreds of thousands of protesters from all over the countryside converged on Kiev's Independence Square to protest the Ukrainian Presidential election. The incumbent favored candidate, Viktor Yanukovych, had been declared the winner already. Meanwhile, nonpartisan, independent exit polling--or series of polls--showed that Viktor Yushchenko, leader of the opposition party, had a clear nine- point lead. For 17 days, in subzero weather, hundreds of thousands of men and women filled the streets of Independence Square, huddled in tents among strangers, braving the threats of police violence. It was an astonishing emotional display that stunned the world as these images came through our newspapers and across the television. After 17 days of this nonviolent solidarity, the people won. A new election was held. On January 23, Viktor Yushchenko was sworn in as the new President. The ``Orange Revolution'' will be forever emblazoned in the memories of all those who strive for freedom. On behalf of the Senate, I am privileged to welcome the leader of this historic moment, President Viktor Yushchenko, to our Nation's Capitol. Today, at 11 a.m. the President will address a joint session of Congress, making him the only leader of a former Soviet republic outside of Russia to do so.…”