[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 40 (Thursday, March 21, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     GREECE AND THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

                                 ______


                        HON. HERBERT H. BATEMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 1996

  Mr. BATEMAN. Mr. Speaker, on March 25, we will once again be 
celebrating the anniversary of the beginning of the effort by the Greek 
people to liberate themselves from oppression. Every year, I join with 
some of my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to make 
special note of this occasion. We do this because we recognize that it 
is absolutely vital that citizens of democratic nations the world over 
do not take the freedom we enjoy for granted.
  On March 25, 1829, Greek patriots began their struggle for freedom 
and independence from the Ottoman Empire. Though the intervening years 
have been filled with trials and tribulations, the ultimate success of 
democracy in Greece is a testament to the courage and fortitude of her 
people.
  Throughout world history, freedom of expression, of assembly, of 
government elected by the people, have been the exception rather than 
the rule. The concept of democratic government established by Greece 
laid the foundation for the most promising alternative to the 
autocratic forms of government that have predominated for much of 
history. From the Homeric tradition to Alexander, through the birth of 
the Socratic method, Aristotelian logic and countless artistic and 
architectural endeavors, the Greek people have left an indelible 
impression on civilization.
  I am proud, once again, to congratulate the Greek people on their 
monumental achievement. Democracy has persevered against many threats 
to its continued existence. That is why it is important that we 
recognize this date every year. In national cemeteries across the 
Nation as well as those in foreign lands lie thousands of Americans who 
gave their lives so that the shining light of freedom would not be 
extinguished. That light was lit in Greece. It is proper that we 
recognize the occasion of Greek Independence Day. From it was the ideal 
of America borne.

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