[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 36 (Thursday, March 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY: A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION

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                               speech of

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 1998

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I want to join with my colleagues tonight to 
pay special recognition to this anniversary of the independence of 
Greece. This year, we join together again to honor the hard won 
independence of a land that will forever hold a special place in 
American culture. Also, I want to take this opportunity to thank 
Representatives Bilirakis and Maloney for their efforts to organize the 
House's celebration of this event tonight.
  Mr. Speaker, more than 2,500 years ago the people of Greece began to 
formulate the ideas that now serve as the foundation for our system of 
government, science, philosophy, law, literature, and art. The gift of 
Greek culture to the world, and the special debt this nation owes to 
Greece, is priceless. The Greek tradition that began in the mists of 
time with Homer led to the Golden Age and later to the intellectual and 
aesthetic enrichment of the Roman Republic and Empire, the European 
Renaissance, and our own nation's founding principles.
  We also share with Greece the triumphant experience of fighting for 
and winning independence. In 1821, after nearly 2,000 years of foreign 
rule, the people of Greece rose up and declared their independence from 
the Ottoman Empire. After nearly a decade of struggle, the Greek people 
won their freedom. Their cause was celebrated throughout the democratic 
world at the time, and continues to inspire us today.
  Greece has contributed to this nation in other ways. It is difficult 
to find areas of this country where Greek-Americans have not 
contributed to the betterment of their communities. In my own area of 
Southern California, the vibrant Greek-American community has enriched 
all our lives. Recently, I was honored to take part in the annual 
celebration of the Hellenic-American Council of Southern California. 
Through this and many other excellent organizations, the Greek-American 
community has made important contributions to the United States.
  In the Second World War, Greeks fought with Americans to turn back 
Nazi and Fascist aggression. After that war, Greece remained on the 
side of freedom and democracy, serving as an early bulwark against the 
spread of communist totalitarianism. The assistance provided to Greece 
beginning under the Truman Doctrine and later continued within the NATO 
alliance continued the strong link between our nations. This 
cooperation continues today, as both nations face the instability in 
the Balkans and other threats to peace in the region.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my sincere good wishes to the 
people of Greece and those of Greek heritage on this happy occasion.

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