[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Greek-
American community and the people of Greece who are celebrating Greek 
Independence Day. The Hudson Chapter #108 of the Order of A.H.E.P.A.--
American Hellenic Education Progressive Association--and the Hudson 
County Department of Cultural and Heritage Affairs have the distinct 
honor of hosting a celebration commemorating Greek Independence Day on 
March 21 at the William Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City.
  Greece's rich history can be traced back well over 2,500 years to the 
thriving city-states of Athens, Sparta, and Thebes. When the Western 
world looks to the birth of democracy, the first thing that comes to 
mind is Pericles and the Great Democracy at Athens. In more recent 
times, Greece was under Turkish rule for nearly 400 years, until the 
1820's, when a war of independence began. This struggle, which 
commenced under the leadership of Alexander Ypsilanti grew out of 
Greece's yearning for independence and freedom. Even though Greece's 
Independence Day is marked on March 25, 1821, Turkey did not officially 
recognize the independence of Greece until 1829, when the Treaty of 
Andreanople was signed.
  The Independence Day festivities celebrate Greece's enormous 
contributions to the arts, literature, and legal institutions of the 
Western World. For Greek-Americans, it is a celebration of their 
commitment to hard work and their success and recognition within this 
country. The achievements of Greek-Americans exemplify the greatness of 
our Nation's immigrant heritage. Their diligence and commitment has 
fostered their success in a wide variety of businesses, which have 
contributed to our Nation's prosperity.
  The Hudson Chapter #108 of the Order of A.H.E.P.A. has helped unite 
the Greek-American community throughout Hudson County and the State of 
New Jersey. Since its inception, A.H.E.P.A. has actively combated 
discrimination and championed the cause of human rights, speaking out 
against human rights violations by any nation or group. They have 
fought for the rights of the Greek Orthodox Church whenever Turkey has 
challenged the Patriarchate, and they continue their endless fight for 
the freedom of Cyprus following the Turkish invasion and occupation.
  Please join me in honoring the Greek-American community and the 
people of Greece on this joyous occasion. It is my pleasure to salute 
Greece and all Greek-Americans on this day.

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