[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 150 (Friday, October 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN SUPPORT OF OXI DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY II

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 1997

  Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, on October 28, 1940, the 
Greek prime minister was asked to surrender to the Italian Armed 
Forces. He refused to surrender Greece, replying simply, ``Oxi''--the 
Greek word for ``no''.
  Soon thereafter, Greece found herself battling Italian invading 
forces. What ensued went down in history as one of the most significant 
military victories of all time. Greek troops were outnumbered and 
under-equipped, but what they lacked in size and supplies they made up 
for in resourcefulness and determination. The world was amazed when 
Greece managed to repel the invading Italian forces, thus throwing a 
wrench into Hitler's plans for a swift takeover of the Balkans.
  Oxi Day is an important milestone in Greece's long, proud history. We 
must not forget that throughout its history, Greece has been forced to 
defend its independence and its way of life. At the crossroads of 
Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia, Greece has had to contend with an 
unending stream of aggressive neighbors. Greece has also weathered many 
challenges from within. The spirit that Greece demonstrated on Oxi Day 
is the same spirit that has guided Greece through the most difficult 
periods in its history.
  Commemorating Oxi Day helps us reflect on Greece's great contribution 
to the Allied cause. It also provides an opportunity to thank the Greek 
people for their long tradition of friendship and partnership with the 
United States. We must continue to work to expand ties with Greece, 
support it in its relations with its neighbors, and work to bring about 
a peaceful resolution to the Cyprus crisis.

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