[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I rise today to note that Friday will mark 
the 173d anniversary of the beginning of the 1821 revolution which 
freed the Greek people from nearly 400 years of domination by the 
Ottoman Empire. And I am proud that Congress has designated today as 
``Greek Independence Day.''
  It is appropriate that Americans remember this day, because of the 
important role that the culture and citizens of Greece have played--and 
continue to play--in our country.
  Not only is the beauty of Greece timeless, so, too, are the many 
ideas and virtues which found their birthplace in Hellenic culture--
ideas like democracy, public service, and the importance of family.
  Perhaps it is our dedication to democracy which has made our 
countries allies for so long. It is worth noting that Greece is one of 
only three nations in the world, beyond the former British Empire, 
allied with the United States in every major international conflict 
this century.
  As a veteran of World War II, I well know that over 600,000 Greeks 
died fighting on the side of the allies in World War II--a remarkable 9 
percent of the entire population of Greece at that time.
  Mr. President, on this Greek Independence Day, I am proud to join 
with countless others in pledging ourselves to a future relationship 
with Greece and her people that is truly worthy of our historic past.

                          ____________________