[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 179 Introduced in House (IH)]

112th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 179

Recognizing and appreciating the historical significance and the heroic 
human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II 
          and commending the PanCretan Association of America.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 17, 2011

 Mrs. Maloney (for herself, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Grimm, Ms. 
 Tsongas, and Mr. Sarbanes) submitted the following resolution; which 
            was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing and appreciating the historical significance and the heroic 
human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II 
          and commending the PanCretan Association of America.

Whereas 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of the heroic Battle of Crete, which 
        took place on the Greek island of Crete during World War II between Nazi 
        German forces and the people of Crete assisted by the Allied armies;
Whereas the people of Crete fought tenaciously during the Battle of Crete, 
        delaying for two months the Nazi German invasion of Russia;
Whereas this delay forced Nazi German forces to invade Russia in the face of the 
        brutal Russian winter, changing the final outcome of World War II and 
        leading to the defeat of fascism;
Whereas many historians agree that the Battle of Crete was one of the most 
        significant battles of World War II;
Whereas the Battle of Crete involved the first primarily airborne military 
        invasion in history;
Whereas the Battle of Crete contributed to saving the free world from Nazi 
        German occupation, thus preserving democracy, freedom, and human 
        dignity;
Whereas the Battle of Crete was the first time the Allied forces utilized 
        intelligence from the deciphered Nazi Enigma code;
Whereas the Battle of Crete was the first time invading Nazi troops encountered 
        mass resistance from a civilian population, and as a result of the heavy 
        casualties suffered by the parachutists, Hitler forbade any similar 
        future large scale airborne operations;
Whereas the Cretan Resistance Movement was organized following the invasion to 
        fight the Nazi German occupation of the island of Crete;
Whereas for 4 years, the Cretan Resistance Movement inflicted heavy casualties 
        upon Nazi German forces, including kidnaping a heavily guarded Nazi 
        German General, setting an example for all of the people of Europe to 
        follow;
Whereas the people of Crete suffered savage reprisals for their heroic 
        resistance when the Nazi German invaders randomly executed thousands of 
        civilians and burned and destroyed entire communities;
Whereas many participants in the Battle of Crete and the Cretan Resistance 
        Movement later emigrated to the United States and became American 
        citizens; and
Whereas many of these citizens became members of the PanCretan Association of 
        America, an organization comprised of Greek Americans with ancestry from 
        the island of Crete and committed to preserving and promoting the rich 
        culture and proud history of Crete: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) observes the memory of the fallen heroes of the Battle 
        of Crete;
            (2) honors the living men and women of Crete who, during 
        World War II, fought an oppressive invader to preserve the 
        ideals of freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness; and
            (3) commends the PanCretan Association of America for 
        preserving and promoting the history of Crete and its people.
                                 <all>