[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E454-E455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greek 
Independence Day, March 25th.
  The fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Ottoman Empire brought a 
halt to the important leadership role of Greeks. Their heritage

[[Page E455]]

remained important, however, for others around the world. Tsarist 
Russia emulated the Orthodox and imperial models of Byzantium. 
Classical Greece offered inspiration and guideposts for the flowering 
of the Renaissance. And the influence of Classical Greece on the 
founding fathers of American independence is universally known.
  During the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the Greek people never lost 
sight of their distinct identity and deep devotion to their Orthodox 
Church, whose clergy played a critical function in maintaining their 
language and religion. As the eighteenth century ended, the Greeks 
began organizing a struggle for their freedom. On March 25, 1821, 
Bishop Germanos called for all to join the campaign for Greek 
independence. Despite overwhelming odds, thousands of Greeks throughout 
the region responded to this inspiring call and fought heroically.
  The combination of Greek sacrifice and bravery with the help of 
foreign volunteers succeeded by the end of the 1820s in establishing an 
independent Greek state. It was a struggle that caught the world's 
attention, in large part because of the admirable ideals of freedom and 
revived opportunities for a heroic peoples. We cherish and honor these 
same ideals today. The Greek-American community offers a cultural 
bridge between the two countries and takes pride that Greek ideals 
contributed to America's revolution before Greeks themselves had the 
chance to follow a related and successful campaign for freedom.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in celebrating Greek 
Independence Day.

                          ____________________