IV 108th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 774 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 14, 2004 Mr. Meehan (for himself, Mr. Bilirakis, and Mrs. Maloney) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations RESOLUTION Commending the people and Government of Greece for the successful completion of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.

Whereas in August 2004, the Summer Olympic Games returned to Greece, their ancient birthplace and the land of the Acropolis, Homer, and Plato, reminding all of the origin of democracy; Whereas the people and Government of Greece, through extraordinary diligence, energy, and imagination, hosted a successful 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens; Whereas Greece demonstrated an extraordinary ability to accommodate more than 10,000 athletes from 202 countries, along with hundreds of thousands of spectators, foreign dignitaries, and journalists, and did so efficiently, securely, and with hospitality; Whereas the 2004 Summer Olympic Games hosted by Greece proudly displayed the ideals of the Olympic movement, promoting mutual understanding, friendship, and peace among nations through noble athletic competition; Whereas close cooperation between Greece and the United States on several aspects of the Olympic Games, including security, was consistent with the longtime friendship and alliance between two nations that have stood side by side in defense of a shared commitment to freedom and democracy for more than 100 years; Whereas Greece provided the world with the unique experience of seeing the Olympics framed by ancient wonders such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis and the stadium in Olympia; Whereas Greece displayed its modern achievements through extraordinary Olympic venues, world-class infrastructure, and breathtaking and high-tech opening and closing ceremonies; and Whereas following completion of the games, United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth stated that history will record these Games as among the greatest, if not the greatest, of all time: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)commends the people of Greece for the successful completion of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games; and (2)agrees with United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth that history will record these Games as among the greatest, if not the greatest of all time.