[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E537]]
              178TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 1999

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and profound 
admiration that I rise today to pay tribute to Greece on the occasion 
of its 178th anniversary of independence. Greece is a country rich in 
history and culture which has not only dramatically influenced its own 
people but people throughout the world.
  March 25th is a date that will forever live in the hearts and minds 
of Greeks and Greek-Americans. After suffering more than 400 years of 
oppression under the Ottoman Empire, the people of Greece commenced a 
revolt on this day in 1821. Many dedicated, patriotic Greeks lost their 
lives in the struggle which lasted over 7 years. Ultimately, the 
freedom Greeks aspired to was courageously achieved, and the modern day 
Greece was born.
  Greece has influenced our society in many ways. Thomas Jefferson, 
Benjamin Franklin, and our Founding Fathers found inspiration in the 
writings and ideals of Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle. The 
Founding Fathers searched antiquity for an appropriate model for 
democracy, and found it in ancient Athens. No doubt, without Greece's 
influence, the United States would be a completely different country 
today.
  Historically, Greece has been a dedicated United States ally. A 
fierce supporter during World War II, Greek soldiers fought beside 
Americans to preserve democracy and independence. For almost half a 
century, Greece has stood beside the United States as an active and 
important member to NATO. Greece has consistently proved to be a 
valuable player in preserving security in the Mediterranean. Just 
recently, Greece held a significant role in negotiations between the 
Republic of Cyprus and Turkey to deter deploying Russian missiles on 
the Cypriot island, thereby thwarting an international incident.
  One could not live in the United States for too long without 
experiencing first hand the impact Greece has had on American society. 
Greek-Americans have significantly contributed to American culture and 
economy. Nearly 7,000 people in the Eighth Congressional District of 
Massachusetts are of Greek descent. Throughout the neighborhoods in 
Boston, Watertown, Cambridge, Chelsea, Belmont and my hometown of 
Somerville, Greek-Americans are one of the most active groups in 
politics and community service. The Hellenic Cultural Center, the Greek 
Orthodox Church and other Greek-American organizations in the district 
are working to improve education, healthcare, and the environment.
  The Greek people also take pride in their heritage. In my district 
alone several events will take place to commemorate Greek Independence 
Day. From the grand parade in Boston to the small town festivities, 
Greek-Americans will be celebrating their freedom.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I hope the United States will continue to 
cultivate relationships both culturally and economically with our Greek 
neighbors, and I again offer my congratulations to all Greeks as they 
celebrate Greek Independence Day.

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