[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 DAY

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, democracy is this Nation's most 
cherished ideal. Its enduring appeal provides a guiding light for 
people worldwide. People forced to live under repressive regimes, whose 
inherent rights to life and liberty are denied, nevertheless find 
inspiration in the hope for democracy. That inspiration led them to 
seek change. Today, many are free for the first time in their lives.
  We live in a world that has changed dramatically for the better 
during the past few years. It is a world in which democratic principles 
reign ever stronger. The democracy we cherish, however, is not of our 
own invention. For our system of government and way of life, we must 
give credit to the ancient Greeks.
  For these reasons, I am pleased to urge my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing and celebrating March 25, 1994, as Greek Independence Day. 
I proudly salute the Greek-Americans in my home State, as well as those 
throughout the United States.

  Although the Greeks first brought democracy to the world, they were 
unable to ensure its continuation in their homeland. For a long time, 
democracy was lost to the people of Greece. Then, on March 25, 1821, 
the people of Greece threw off the chains of autocracy and returned to 
the democratic system they had created long before.
  When we celebrate Greek Independence Day 1994, we do so in a world 
that is more democratic than perhaps at any time in history. However, 
the celebration of democracy and its unstoppable march into country 
after country by no means should allow us to become complacent. The 
struggle of the Greek people to restore democracy to their country in 
the last century should serve as a reminder to us all: the preservation 
of freedom has a price.

                          ____________________