[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]

 
                           GREEK INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, I rise once again to join the Greek-
American community as they celebrate the 173d anniversary of the 
beginning of their revolution for independence from under the yoke of 
the Ottoman Empire. I and 61 of my colleagues in the Senate joined 
together to commemorate this historic event by cosponsoring Senate 
Joint Resolution 162, a resolution commemorating March 25, 1994, as 
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and 
American Democracy. I am proud to say President Clinton has signed this 
resolution into law [Public Law 103-22].
  From their first settlement in the 18th century in St. Augustine, FL, 
to one of the largest Greek communities in America, Astoria, NY, the 
Greek people have been an influential segment of American society. 
Their history, culture, language, religion, and of course native 
culinary artistry, have enriched America. Greece has contributed great 
things in the areas of arts, medicine, and education, but no 
contribution was more precious than that of democracy.
  Born in Athens, nurtured in the United States, the principles of 
democracy are now being practiced throughout Eastern Europe. This new 
wave of democracy would never have come to fruition had it not been for 
Hellenistic political thought. We will always be indebted to Greece for 
giving us this most precious gift.

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