119 HRES 1203 IH: Recognizing the 200th anniversary of the heroic Exodus of Missolonghi and commemorating its historical significance to the Greek War of Independence.
U.S. House of Representatives
2026-04-21
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EN
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Whereas, in 2026, the world commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Missolonghi, one of the most heroic and consequential events of the Greek War of Independence, when the people of the city of Missolonghi chose to break free of the siege; Whereas this act of defiance and sacrifice was a defining moment in Greek history, inspiring the philhellenism movement across Europe and America;
Whereas the city of Missolonghi endured 3 sieges between 1822 and 1826, culminating in the heroic Exodus on April 10, 1826, when its defenders and civilians chose sacrifice and honor over submission; Whereas the Exodus of Missolonghi exemplified the universal ideals of liberty, altruism, human dignity, and sacrifice for the greater good, leaving a lasting imprint not only on Greek history but also on global consciousness;
Whereas the resistance and ultimate sacrifice of the people of Missolonghi inspired the Romantic movement across the world, influencing poets, artists, writers, and thinkers who championed freedom and self-determination; Whereas the sieges of Missolonghi galvanized international support for the Greek cause and inspired thousands of sympathizers known as philhellenes to contribute financially, materially, and militarily to the struggle for Greek independence;
Whereas the Greek War of Independence resonated deeply with the people of the United States, who viewed the struggle as a fight for liberty and as a revival of the democratic ideals of ancient Greece, which helped inspire the founding of the American Republic; Whereas numerous philhellenic societies were formed throughout the United States in the early 19th century, organizing fundraising efforts, collecting supplies, raising public awareness, and advocating for support of the Greek cause;
Whereas prominent Americans, including Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, expressed strong support for the Greek struggle for independence; Whereas many American philhellenes traveled to Greece and fought alongside Greek freedom fighters in Missolonghi, including George Jarvis, William Townsend Washington, and Jonathan Peckham Miller, who took part in the Exodus of Missolonghi and offered invaluable assistance to its besieged population; and
Whereas the shared history of sacrifice and solidarity between the peoples of Greece and the United States continues to serve as a foundation for the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the 2 nations: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives—
(1)recognizes and honors the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Missolonghi as a defining moment in the Greek War of Independence and a landmark event in world history; (2)pays tribute to the men, women, and children of Missolonghi whose courage and sacrifice embodied the universal struggle for freedom and human dignity;
(3)honors philhellenes, including American philhellenes, who supported and fought alongside the Greek people in their struggle for independence; (4)affirms the shared democratic values and historical bonds between the United States and Greece, rooted in a common commitment to liberty and self-determination; and
(5)encourages educational, cultural, and commemorative activities to mark the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Missolonghi and to promote greater awareness of its historical and moral significance.