[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
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

                               speech of

                             HON. JACK REED

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 1994

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my good friends in the 
Greek-American community to celebrate and honor the 173d anniversary of 
Greek independence. On March 25, 1821, Greek patriots declared their 
independence from the Ottoman Empire.
  The special relationship between our two Nations is based on our 
peoples' mutual love for liberty and respect for democratic rights. 
When Americans struggled against the British in the 1770's, they looked 
to the words of the ancient Greeks. As Thomas Jefferson once said, ``* 
* * to the ancient Greeks * * * we are all indebted for the light which 
led ourselves out of the Gothic darkness.'' Years later, Greek 
revolutionary war heroes were inspired and driven in their quest for 
liberty by American independence.
  I believe though, that our strongest link to Greece is the Greek-
American community. There are an estimated 3 million Greek-Americans in 
this country today, men and women who have contributed immensely to the 
fabric of our Nation, and have played an especially prominent role in 
building my State of Rhode Island.
  Mr. Speaker, today is a day when Greeks and Greek-Americans celebrate 
their heritage and their successful struggle for independence. I am 
pleased to have this opportunity to honor our long and fruitful 
relationship with Greece, and to reaffirm our commitment to expanding 
our friendship for generations to come.
  In that spirit, let us join our Greek-American friends and our long-
time allies in saluting the men and women who have fought to preserve 
the democratic ideals upon which both our great Nations were founded.

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