[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 36 (Friday, March 25, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    HONORING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, I want to take a few minutes of the 
Senate's time to honor Greek Independence Day. As my colleagues know, 
March 25 is set aside as ``Greek Independence Day--a Celebration of 
American and Greek Democracy.'' On this day, the American people are 
encouraged to remember Greece's instrumental contribution to the 
development of democracy.
  Over 2,000 years ago, the Greeks established the world's first 
democracy. This democracy christened the principle of government by the 
people and government for the people. Of course, the Founders of our 
Constitution relied heavily on the writings and thoughts of our Greek 
ancestors as they crafted our finely balanced system of government. 
Every American, and the world, owes Greece a debt of gratitude for its 
contribution to the birth of democracy.
  As world events changed in more modern times, the Greek people again 
showed themselves to be true patriots in the pursuit of democracy as 
they defeated the Communist attempt to conquer their nation. Since that 
time, Greece has been a loyal and valuable NATO ally of the United 
States. While the United States-Greek relationship has had its ups and 
downs, our common commitment to democracy, human rights, and mutual 
respect has served to bond our nations together.
  In my home State of Idaho, we have a substantial Greek population. 
These Greek-Americans add diversity, entrepreneurship and an 
unsurpassed love of life to Idaho's culture. The Greek-Americans living 
in Idaho are the finest examples of what the American dream is all 
about.
  In honor of Greek Independence Day, I hope all Americans will take 
some time to pay tribute to the Greeks contribution to human democracy, 
philosophy, science, and the arts.

                          ____________________