[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 23, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S3152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise in observance of Greece's 178th anniversary of National 
Independence. Today, we are here to pay tribute to Greek and American 
democracy, and to our shared commitment to peace and stability in the 
Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean.
  On March 25, 1821, the Greek people initiated their victorious 
pursuit of liberty from four centuries of oppressive Ottoman rule. 
After nearly ten years of struggle against overwhelming odds, the 
Greeks accomplished this historic request, reaffirming their commitment 
to the individual freedoms that are at the heart of the Greek 
tradition.
  From the beginning of their revolution, the Greeks had the support, 
emotional and material, from a people who had recently gained freedom 
for themselves: the Americans. Looking back at their triumphant march 
toward liberty, the American people followed with affinity the Greek 
pursuit for national independence. Since then, our two nations have 
remained firmly united by a shared commitment to democratic principles. 
These ties were reinforced by thousands of Greeks who came to America 
for greater economic opportunity. These immigrants and their 
descendants continue to make their own important and unique 
contributions to America's economic and political strength.
  As a nation whose founders were ardent students of the classics, 
America has drawn its political convictions from the ancient Greek 
ideals of liberty and citizenship. And just as America looked to the 
Greeks for inspiration, Greek patriots looked to the American 
Revolution for strength in the face of their own adversity. The 
exuberance and passion of a young nation dedicated to freedom lifted 
the spirits of the Greek patriots, and reminded them of their long-
standing democratic legacy.
  As we enter the next century, it is appropriate that we retrace our 
common struggle to build societies based on individual rights, equality 
and the rule of law. During World War I, our nations forged a steadfast 
alliance to maintain peace in the Balkans. During the Second World War, 
Greeks heroically resisted the brutal Nazi regime, defeated Mussolini's 
troops, and contributed in no small part to the allied victory over the 
Axis Powers. At the Cold War's inception, President Truman and the 
American people committed to helping Greece rebuild their war-ravaged 
nation through the Marshall Plan. Greece continues to play an important 
role as a valued member of the international community within NATO and 
the European Union.
  Today, as one of the few stable democracies in its region, Greece has 
played a stabilizing role throughout the Balkans and is helping its 
neighbors progress toward greater political and economic security. 
Greek economic modernization, along with its status as a member of the 
European Union, allow Greece to act as a model for and play a 
constructive role in the economic well being of its neighbors.
  Mr. President, the new millennium promises an even stronger Greek-
American relationship and further cooperation in the areas of our 
mutual interests. Through ties of blood and affection, as well as 
shared political goals and philosophical ideals, Greece has retained a 
special relationship with the United States. Therefore, on this 
important occasion, it is fitting that we remember this historical 
legacy and rededicate ourselves to the principles which inspired the 
free and democratic peoples of America and Greece.

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