[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 43 (Tuesday, April 19, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    SALUTING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______


                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 1994

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to offer my congratulations 
to Greeks and Greek-Americans on the occasion of their recent 
celebration of Greek Independence Day. This celebration of Greek and 
American democracy commemorates the special bond Greeks share with us 
in our commitment to democracy.
  Democracy was first developed 2,500 years ago in Greece. Our Founding 
Fathers modeled our system of government after the democratic ideals 
that had originated in Greece to give all citizens equality before the 
law, making this a day to celebrate our shared beliefs of freedom and 
equality for all. I share the pride of my constituents of Greek 
descent, as we reflect on the impact their heritage has had in the 
development of our democratic society.
  The foundation of this very government can be traced to the Greek 
system of democracy. The Federalist Papers, written by James Madison 
and Alexander Hamilton, asserted that the ``most considerable'' of 
confederacies was that of the Greeks and the similarity and instructive 
power of their work assisted us in the formation of our Nation.
  In saluting Greek Independence Day, we should not only honor Greece's 
past, but also the role Greece plays in world relations both today and 
in the future. Greece maintains strong ties with the United States and 
is currently a member of NATO and the European Community. Throughout 
this century, Greece has been one of the only countries to be our ally 
in every major international conflict.
  Greek Americans have also played an extensive role in the development 
of the United States in the 20th century. By 1970, Greek-Americans 
ranked first among ethnic nationalities in regard to their median 
educational attainment. Greek Americans are current members of the 
House and Senate; they are Governors and doctors, and Presidential 
candidates.
  Let us always remember the fact that we are all influenced by Greece 
and its past in some way--by its laws, its literature, its religion, 
its art, and other aspects of its culture.

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