[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

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                               speech of

                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 1994

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Greek Independence 
Day, a national day to celebrate Greek and American democracy. I am 
proud to join my colleague Mr. Bilirakis as a cosponsor of House Joint 
Resolution 310, designating this special day as Greek Independence Day.
  Mr. Speaker, March 25, 1994, marks the 173D anniversary of the 
beginning of the revolution which freed the Greek people from almost 
400 years of oppressive rule under the Ottoman Empire. As Americans, we 
join the people of Greece in celebrating Greek Independence Day because 
of the important role the Nation of Greece has played in fostering 
freedom and democracy throughout the world. Thomas Jefferson once said 
``to the ancient Greeks * * * we are all indebted for the light which 
led ourselves--American colonists--out of Gothic darkness.'' I believe 
that not only the United States, but all the free nations in the world 
should pay a special tribute to the Greeks for founding the democratic 
tradition.
  The Relationship between Greece and the United States is one based on 
mutual respect and admiration. The democratic principles used by our 
Founding Fathers to frame our Constitution were born in ancient Greece. 
In turn, our Founding Fathers and the American Revolution served as 
ideals for the Greek people when they began their fight for 
independence in the 1820's. When the young Nation of Greece needed its 
own declaration of independence, Greek intellectuals translated the 
United States declaration of independence into Greek and used it as 
their own.
  Mr. Speaker, the relationship between the United States and Greece 
has only grown stronger in modern times. Greece is only one of three 
nations in the world that has allied with the United States in every 
major international conflict this century. More than 600,000 Greek 
soldiers died fighting against the Axis powers in World War II. After 
World War II, the Greek soldiers returned to their homefront to again 
defend their democratic foundation from the threat of Communist rebels. 
Fortunately, democracy prevailed and Greece emerged strong and 
victorious.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of Greek Independence Day, I celebrate the 
strong and lasting bond between the peoples of the United States and 
Greece. I urge my colleagues to join me on this special day in paying 
tribute to the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, the friendship of modern 
Greece, and the important contributions Greek-Americans have made in 
the United States.

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