[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 54 (Thursday, March 23, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    HONORING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 1995
  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the Greek community to 
celebrate the 174th anniversary of Greek independence.
  On March 25, 1821, the Archbishop of Patras blessed the Greek flag at 
the Aghia Lavra monastery near Kalavrita, marking the beginning of the 
Greek war of independence in which nearly 400 years of Ottoman rule was 
turned aside.
  Since the war for independence, Greece has become a steadfast ally of 
the United States. But that alliance and freedom have not come without 
a price. More than 600,000 Greeks died while fighting with the Allied 
forces in World War II against fascism.
  Ancient Greece was the birthplace of democratic values. It brought 
forth the notion that the ultimate power to govern belongs in the hands 
of the people. It inspired a system of checks and balances to ensure 
that one branch of government does not dominate any other branch.
  These ideals inspired our Founding Fathers as they wrote the 
Constitution. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, ``to the ancient Greeks 
* * * we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves out of 
Gothic darkness.''
  These democratic principles, formed more than 2,500 years ago, have 
affected change around the world. Witness our own Revolutionary War, 
the renewal of Greek independence, and the dramatic recent changes in 
Eastern Europe, the former Soviet States, and around the globe.
  Today, the United States is enriched not only by Greek principles but 
also by its sons and daughters. Greek-Americans have made major 
contributions to American society, including our arts, sports, 
medicine, religion, and politics.
  My home State of Michigan has been enhanced by the Greek community. 
In Macomb and St. Clair Counties, we are served by St. John's Greek 
Orthodox Church and Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. These 
institutions provide a multitude of community services and add to the 
rich diversity of the area.
  In this changing world of ours, the challenges today include 
protecting the integrity of the borders of Greece and promoting the 
democratic ideals which originated in that country. Let us not forget 
the sacrifices Greeks have made to preserve freedom and enhance 
democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, I join the people of Greece and those of Greek ancestry 
around the world celebrating Greek Independence Day. I salute all of 
them for the tremendous contributions to freedom and human dignity 
which they have made.


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