[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 42 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 1997

  Mrs. KENNELLY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 176th Anniversary of Greek Independence. On this day of celebration 
of Greek and American democracy, we pay tribute to the people of both 
our nations, and to the common bonds of democracy that unite Greece and 
the United States.
  While the Founding Fathers of the United States of America drew 
heavily upon the political experience and philosophy of ancient Greece 
in forming our representative democracy, the founders of the modern 
Greek state modeled their government after that of the United States in 
an effort to best imitate their ancient democracy. Today, Greece is one 
of only three nations in the world that has been allied with the United 
States in every major international conflict this century.
  The First Congressional District in Connecticut has long-lasting ties 
to Greek democracy and independence. During the Greek War of 
Independence, fundraisers to support the struggle for democracy were 
held in the Hartford home of Lydia Sigourney. In addition to raising 
moneys, she sheltered refugees and in 1832 established the first Greek 
school in the United States. Today, that long-lasting relationship is 
evidenced by the 120,000 people of Greek ancestry who call the 
Constitution State home.
  I support the efforts to expand the opportunities for cultural and 
trade exchange between the United States and Greece and the 
continuation of this historical relationship, and I offer my 
congratulations to all Greek-Americans as they celebrate Greek 
Independence Day.

                          ____________________