[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______


                          HON. SUSAN MOLINARI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 28, 1996

  Ms. MOLINARI. Mr. Speaker, last week marked a monumental day for the 
thousands of Greek-American residents throughout our country. As you 
know, the very democratic principles which our American Founding 
Fathers were inspired by in creating our independence were originally 
born in ancient Greece. This past March 25, we celebrated the 175th 
anniversary of the independence of the nation of Greece.
  In more modern times, the Greek-United States relationship has grown 
especially strong. In fact, Greece is one of only three countries in 
the world which allied itself with the United States in every major 
international conflict in this century.
  Our celebration this day was unfortunately tempered by the pain and 
outrage felt by Cypriots who have lived with 20 years of occupation and 
horrible human rights abuses. We must keep in mind how essential it is 
for the United States to: First, keep the pressure on Turkey, second, 
to address these terrible atrocities, third, to further help the people 
of Cyprus, and finally fourth, to do all we can to stabilize relations 
between Turkey and Greece.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me mention that this weekend many of my 
friends and colleagues--including several constituents from the Holy 
Cross Greek Orthodox Church in my district--will be marching up Fifth 
Avenue to celebrate this historic event. I join with them, and the over 
1 million American citizens who are of Greek ancestry, in celebrating 
this very special occasion. I look forward to many more years of 
fostering the close relationship which exists between America and 
Greece.