[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  FREDERIKI PAPPAS AND HER ART EXHIBIT CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF GREEK 
                              INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______


                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 1996

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to highlight an 
important event that is taking place this week in Washington. This 
event celebrates 175 years of friendship, diplomacy, and mutual respect 
for democracy that is the legacy of the United States and the Republic 
of Greece. The renowned Greek artist, Ms. Frederiki Pappas is 
previewing a remarkable collection of portraits of American and Greek 
leaders today in the Capitol. This exhibit is called: ``A Celebration 
of Democracy: Commemorating 175 Years of Greek and American Democratic 
Tradition.''
  Ms. Pappas is a graduate of the Athens School of Fine Art and has 
exhibited in galleries around the world and has been commissioned by 
many private clients and public institutions. I have known her for many 
years and have come to admire her inexhaustible energy and vision in 
showcasing the history of courage and triumph of our two great nations.
  I remind my colleagues that Americans participated in the 
independence movement in Greece during the last century, sacrificing 
their lives to ensure that the world's first democracy was again a 
democracy. From the days of our great leader and democratic visionary, 
Thomas Jefferson, to the present, Hellenes and Americans have worked 
and fought side-by-side for freedom and independence.
  As a Greek-American, I am especially proud of this tradition and 
applaud the continued strength of our mutual diplomatic ties as 
exemplified by this week's visit by President Constantine 
Stephanopoulos. The Hellenic Republic remains a key ally and friend and 
I am especially pleased that Ms. Pappas' exhibit coincides with 
President Stephanopoulos' visit. Her work serves as a beautiful and 
appropriate reminder of this long and great friendship between our two 
democratic nations.
  Thomas Jefferson, perhaps underscores the spirit of freedom and 
independence best in his letter to A. Korais, leader of the Provisional 
Government of Greece in 1823 in which he states:

       Possessing ourselves the combined blessings of liberty and 
     order we wish the same to other countries, and to none more 
     than yours, which the first of civilized nations, presented 
     examples of what man should be.

  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Pappas' work reminds us of the importance of 
tradition and mutual love of freedom. I urge all of my colleagues to 
see if firsthand and reflect upon the importance of celebrating 
democracy.

                          ____________________