[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 89 (Monday, June 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HONORING GREEK-AMERICANS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KLINK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 23, 1997

  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a vital, but far too 
frequently unacknowledged, segment of the American mosaic: Greek-
Americans.
  In their short existence in this Nation as an ethnic group, they have 
excelled in every field that they have applied themselves. From 
business to the arts; from athletics to the media; from public service 
to education; Greek-Americans have made vital and lasting contributions 
to America's rich civic life.
  The Pancretan Association of America represents a portion of the 
Greek-American community whose ancestry comes from a historic island of 
Crete. Throughout history, the people of Crete have valiently fought to 
defend their soil, their heritage, religion, and democratic ideals 
against tyrannical invaders and occupiers.
  True to these ideals, Cretan-Americans have proudly served in the 
Armed Forces of the United States of America, defending the very same 
principles that have guided their ancestors throughout history.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring these 
historic Cretan-American veterans. They have fought with courage, 
honor, and conviction to preserve and defend the ideals that have bound 
the United States and Greece in a historic partnership for peace, 
stability, and democratic values.

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