[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 36 (Wednesday, March 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E515]]



       GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY, 176 YEARS OF FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY

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                               speech of

                        HON. HERBERT H. BATEMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 1997

  Mr. BATEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues today in 
recognizing the 176th anniversary of the beginning of the revolution 
that freed the Greeks from the subjugation of Ottoman rule.
  On March 25, 1821, Greek patriots began their long struggle for 
freedom and for independence from the Ottoman Empire. However, the 
arduous journey to democracy did not end with achievement of 
independence of 1829. During World War II, the Greeks fought 
courageously and suffered severe casualties in their tireless efforts 
to fend off Nazi armies. There were forced to fight once again in the 
1940's in order to turn back the forces of communism, a resistance in 
which we were proud to extend a hand. Although the years since have 
been marked by hardships and sacrifice, the people of Greece have shown 
their resolve, courage, and fortitude. Their dedication to freedom has 
demonstrated itself in the ultimate success of democracy in modern-day 
Greece.
  We cannot discount our indebtedness to Greece and her people. Western 
art, architecture, literature, and philosophy all stem from the 
achievements of the ancient Greeks. Without question, the Greek people 
have left an indelible impression on world history. But, of all the 
contributions Greeks have made toward the betterment of mankind, I 
believe their greatest contribution to be the ideal of democracy. It is 
fitting that we, the United States of America, should have founded the 
wellspring of our Nation's laws and ideals in the democratic traditions 
of Athens and other Greek city-states. And, it was indeed appropriate 
that during the Greek war for independence, they looked to our 
Declaration of Independence to guide them in their struggle to 
rediscover democracy.
  In closing, I would like to note that no nation has contributed more 
to modern Western civilization than Greece, and no nation has had to 
struggle harder or more often to preserve its liberties. In recognition 
of all that Greece means to the world, and in tribute to its patriots 
throughout the centuries, we salute our friends in Greece--and our many 
Greek-American citizens--on this day of independence.

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