[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H1784-H1789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise proudly to celebrate Greek
Independence Day, an event which marked the symbolic rebirth of
democracy.
On March 25, 1821, Greece finally rebelled against more than four
hundred years of Turkish oppression. The revolution of 1821 brought
independence to Greece and emboldened those who still sought freedom
across the world. I commemorate Greek Independence Day each year for
the same reasons we celebrate our fourth of July. It proved that a
united people, through sheer will and perseverence, can prevail against
tyranny. The lessons the Greeks and our colonial forefathers taught us
provide strength to victims of persecution throughout the world today.
The Greek people, like our colonists, sought the right to govern
themselves and determine their country's destiny. In drafting our
constitution, American colonial leaders cited Greek and Roman sources.
The very basis of our constitution derives from Aristotle and was put
into practice in ancient Rome. Our Founding Fathers emulated the
efforts of the ancient Greeks in order to establish a balance of
powers. The framers sought to avoid the disintegration of government
which marked other political systems throughout history. Polybius, an
ancient Greek, wrote: ``when one part, having grown out of proportion
to the others, aims at supremacy and tends to become too dominant, none
of the three is absolute.''
And so, today, we celebrate the independence of Greece and the
principles of democracy that have endured through the present day.
By honoring the Greek struggle for independence, we reaffirm the
values and ideas that make our nation great. We also remember why
freedom is so important. Abraham Lincoln said ``what has once happened
will invariably happen again, when the same circumstances which
combined to produce it, shall again combine in the same way.''
I want to provide some background on Greek Independence Day for the
benefit of our colleagues who are not familiar with it. The war of
independence, as many call it, began on March 25, 1821. Alexander
Ypsilantis and 4,500 volunteers assembled near the Russian border to
launch an insurrection against four centuries of Ottoman rule. The
Turkish army initially massacred the Greek volunteers, who were poorly
organized and insufficiently armed.
When news of Greek uprisings spread, the Turks killed Greek
clergymen, clerics, and laity in a frigtening display of force. In a
vicious act of vengeance in 1822, the Turks invaded the island of Chios
and slaughtered 25,000 of the local residents. The invaders enslaved
half the island's population of 100,000.
Although the Greeks lacked training, their leaders redoubled efforts
to gain independence. ``Eleftheria I thanatos''--liberty or death--
became the Greek patriots' battle cry. Although many died, they were
undeterred from their ultimate goal.
Many acts of heroism fill this history of the Greek war for
independence. I would like to share some of these stories with you.
Theodoros Kolokotronis was the leader of the Klephts, resilient Greeks
who refused to submit to Turkish domination. The Klephts attacked from
their mountain strongholds by surprise, battering their oppressors into
submission. Kolokotronis assembled an army of 7,000 men who prevented
their rivals from replenishing their provisions.
Another great battle took place near Corinth. After a few weeks, the
Turks were eventually defeated. Kolokotronis was successful because
ordinary citizens displayed extraordinary courage and morale. Despite
the odds, Kolokotronis managed to capture Tripolitsa and engineer the
Greek victory over the Turkish army of Dramali, which had invaded the
Peloponnese with 30,000 men.
Another wave of rebellion against Turkish oppression was ignited by
the Suliotes, villagers who took refuge from Turkish authorities in the
mountains of Epirus. The fiercely patriotic Suliotes bravely fought the
Turks in several battles. News of their victories spread throughout the
region and encouraged other villages to revolt. When the Suliote women,
left alone, learned that Turkish troops were fast approaching their
village, they began to dance the ``Syrtos,'' a patriotic Greek dance.
One by one, they committed suicide by throwing themselves and their
children off Mount Zalongo. They chose to die rather than surrender and
face slavery.
I recount these stories because they underscore Greece's absolute
commitment to independence. As we all know, the price of liberty can be
very high . . . hundreds of thousands of lives. Socrates, Plato,
Pericles, and many other great minds throughout history warned that we
maintain democracy only at great cost. The freedom we enjoy today is
due to the sacrifices made by men and women in the past.
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To continue living freely, we must also live responsibly. If people
are to govern themselves democratically, then they must also govern
themselves responsibly. The same holds true for nations. If not, either
anarchy or tyranny will follow.
Even as we speak, tensions persist around the globe, particularly
between Greece and Turkey. One cannot enjoy the fruit of freedom
without first planting the seeds of peace. Unfortunately, the struggle
for peace continues in the republic of Cyprus today.
Turkey still illegally occupies a large part of Cyprus, as it has
since its brutal invasion--code named ``Attila''--in 1974. Since the
invasion, 1,614 Greek-Cypriots and five Americans have been missing.
Because of congressional influence, our government discovered the
remains of one of these Americans--a young boy, Andrew Kasapis, last
year.
Free people everywhere share a moral obligation to promote democracy
and end oppression. The United States has exerted its influence to
promote peace in the middle east and northern Ireland. Now it is time
to do the same in Cyprus.
The United States cannot be the world's policeman, but we must help
others who share our passion for liberty and peace. Our nation has
always been willing to fight for freedom for others. We must not--and
cannot--remain idle while Cyprus remains divided.
The U.S. did not remain neutral when imperialism shook Europe's
foundations during world war I. The U.S. did not fail to act when the
clouds of German and Japanese atrocity descended upon the world during
world war II. Throughout the history of the United States, we have
answered freedom's call. As the leader of the free world, our nation
must continue to actively oppose tyranny.
Finding a fair resolution for Cyprus will help stabilize a region
marked more often by conflict than accord. Turkey continues to refute
U.N. resolutions on Cyprus. Turkey's position contradicts the goals of
seeking a peaceful solution in the island republic.
In the Aegean, Turkey more recently violated international law by
claiming territorial ownership of the Grecian islet of Imia. Turkey
blatantly disregarded previous treaties which clearly recognize
Greece's sovereignty over Imia. Tensions between Greece and Turkey on
this matter continue today. I have joined Congressman Pallone in
introducing legislation expressing the sense of congress that Imia is a
sovereign territory of Greece under international law.
Turkey also has failed to properly protect the ecumenical
patriarchate in Istanbul. In 1997, his all holiness, Patriarch
Bartholomew, graced the congress with his visit here. The Patriarch is
the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide,
including five million Americans. He was honored by the Congress, which
awarded him the Congressional Gold Medal. It is important to remember
that while the Patriarch spreads his message of peace throughout the
entire world, the ecumenical patriarchate in Istanbul has been
repeatedly subjected to terrorist attacks. My legislation urging the
U.S. government to provide protection to the Patriarchate and its
personnel became law last year. Unfortunately, the administration has
failed to convince Turkey that we are serious about this matter.
Our nation has the influence to encourage Turkey to abide by
international law and to respect Greek sovereignty. I only hope we have
the corresponding will. To continue to permit aggression against Greece
and Cyprus dishonors the legacy of Greek independence and the values we
hold so dear.
Mr. Speaker, we celebrate Greek independence to reaffirm the common
democratic heritage we share. Greek Independence Day, like the Fourth
of July, reminds us that we have the duty to defend liberty--whatever
the cost. To maintain our freedom, we can take neither it nor its
architects for granted. That is why we honor those who secured
independence for Greece so many years ago.
Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, the American people join with the people of
Greece in celebrating the 178th anniversary of the revolution that
freed the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire.
The bedrock of our close relationship with Greece is our mutual
devotion to freedom and democracy and our unshakable determination to
fight, if need be, to protect these rights. Greek philosophers and
political leaders--Cleisthenes and Pericles and their successors--had
great influence upon America's Founding Fathers in their creation of
these United States.
We, as a nation, owe a great debt to Greece. ``To the ancient
Greeks,'' Thomas Jefferson said, ``we are all indebted for the light
which led ourselves (American colonists) out of Gothic darkness.''
Greece is the birthplace of American democracy. We will always
remember the words of Pericles:
Our administration favors the many instead of the few: this
is why it is called a democracy. The laws afford equal
justice to all alike in their private disputes, but we do not
ignore the claims of excellence. When a citizen distinguishes
himself, then he will be called to serve the state, in
preference to others, not as a matter of privilege, but as a
reward of merit; and poverty is no bar.
Democracy has been called the fastest growing form of government in
the world. As we prepare to enter the 21st century, an increasing
number of countries are throwing off the yoke of dictatorship and
evolving into fledgling democracies.
In a broad sense the English poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley declared:
``We are all Greeks! Our laws, our literature, our religion, our art,
have their roots in Greece.''
I congratulate the people of Greece and wish them a Happy National
Birthday.
Mr. VISCLOSKY. I join my colleagues today to recognize the 178th
anniversary of Greek Independence Day. As the U.S. Representative of a
region with over 5,000 people of Greek descent, I know that this
important event will be joyously celebrated throughout Northwest
Indiana.
I would like to honor not only this important day in Greek history,
but the strong and unique relationship that exists today between the
United States and Greece. The development of modern democracy has its
roots in ancient Athens. The writings of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and
others were the first to espouse the basic tenets of a government of
the people and by the people. While these ideals were not always
followed in ancient Greece, these writings provided a roadmap for later
governments in their attempts to establish democracy in their
countries.
The Founding Fathers of the United States were particularly
influenced by the writings of the ancient Greeks on democracy. A
careful reading of ``The Federalist Papers'' reveals the significant
part the early Greeks played in the formation of our government. Thomas
Jefferson called upon his studies of the Greek tradition of democracy
when he drafted the Declaration of Independence, espousing the ideals
of a government representative of and accountable to the people.
Decades later, these ideas were a catalyst in the Greek uprising and
successful independence movement against the Ottoman Empire--the event
we celebrate today.
On March 25, 1821, the Archbishop of Patros blessed the Greek flag at
the Aghia Laura monastery, marking the proclamation of Greek
independence. It took eleven years for the Greeks to finally defeat the
Ottomans and gain their true independence. After this long struggle
against an oppressive regime, Greece returned to the democratic ideals
that its ancestors had developed centuries before.
Today, this country's relationship with Greece is as strong as ever.
Greece has been our ardent supporter in every major international
conflict of this century, and they play an important role in the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union. Greece is also a
key participant in the United Nations peacekeeping force in Bosnia,
providing troops and supplies. In turn, the United States has worked to
attain a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Cyprus, the island
nation that was brutally invaded by Turkey in 1974.
Mr. Speaker, I would thank our colleagues, Mr. Bilirakis and Mrs.
Maloney, for organizing this Special Order, and I join all of our House
colleagues in recognizing Greek Independence Day. I salute the spirit
of democracy and family that distinguish the Greek people, as well as
their courage in breaking the bonds of oppression 178 years ago. I look
forward to may more years of cooperation and friendship between our two
nations.
Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in this special order
commemorating Greek Independence Day. Congress recognizes Greek
Independence Day each year because the struggle of the Greek people to
win their freedom was an inspirational epic worthy of commemoration by
all free people.
Americans, whose forbearers had to fight for their own freedom in the
1700s, have always been sympathetic to oppressed people around the
world who fight to win their independence. Many Americans supported the
struggles of the people of Central and South America to throw off the
yoke of imperial Spain in the 1800s, for example. Americans in recent
times have supported the efforts of the people of Eastern Europe and
the Soviet Union to end their domination by that evil empire. And the
united States strongly supported the movement to end colonial rule in
the wake of World War II. Consequently, it should come as no surprise
that many Americans supported the struggle of the Greek people when, in
1821, they undertook to free themselves and their lands from the rule
of the Ottoman Empire.
The war for Greek Independence lasted nearly ten years, and many
lives were lost. In the end, however, the Greek people won their
freedom and established an independent nation. The Greek people's
struggle was a popular cause in the United States not just because it
echoed our own relatively recent
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struggle against an imperial power, but because Americans educated in
the classics associated Greece with its heritage as the ancient
birthplace of democracy and western culture.
Greece today is a trusted and valued ally of the United States, and
many people of Greek ancestry are hardworking, productive American
citizens. I am pleased to join my colleagues and our country's Greek-
American citizens in celebrating Greek Independence Day.
Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise on the floor of
this chamber of American democracy in honor of Greek Independence Day.
Today we are marking the 178th anniversary of the beginning of the
revolution that freed the Greek people from the Turkish Ottoman Empire
and the 51st anniversary since the Greek people regained their
independence after Nazi occupation in World War II.
This is a day that rings with the bells of liberty, the songs of
freedom, and the choirs of democracy.
All the world looks to Greece as the fountain and inspiration for
every modern-day democracy, including our own.
Greece is one of only three nations, beyond the former British
Empire, that has been allied with the United States in every major
international conflict this century. Over 600,000 Greeks died fighting
on the side of the Allies in World War II and in the civil war that
followed--that's nine percent of the entire population of Greece at
that time.
During the early 1900s, one in every four Greek males between the
ages of 15 and 45 departed for the United States, the ``founding
fathers,'' if you will, of today's very successful Greek-American
community. According to U.S. census data, the first Greeks who became
U.S. citizens ranked only 18th of the 24 nationalities in education
attainment. Their children, however, leapt to the top by 1970 to rank
number one among American ethnic nationalities.
Among those Greek-Americans who have made major contributions to our
national and international life are Dr. George Papnicolaou, who
invented the Pap test for cancer; Dr. George Korzias, who developed L-
dopa to combat Parkinson's disease; Maria Callas, the Brooklyn-born
soprano, considered the greatest opera diva of all time; and Pete
Sampras, the number one tennis player in the world for the past several
years.
I also want to honor the contributions made by Greek-Americans in my
own district in central Massachusetts. Since the turn of the century,
over 5,000 Greek men, women and children have made Worcester,
Massachusetts their home. Greek-Americans like Mrs. Katherine Singas,
the owner of Worcester House of Pizza, and retired high school
principal Christopher Dionis have contributed significantly to all
aspects of civic life and community affairs.
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Spyridon in Worcester, under the
leadership of Father Dean Paleologos, reminds us of this vibrant Greek-
American community. In Worcester, this important day is celebrated by
teaching children to recite poetry and songs commemorating their past
and their heritage. Discussion groups are held to honor the memory and
history of the heroic deeds and patriotism of the Greek and Greek-
American men and women who fought and died for the freedom I and my
constituents enjoy today.
Similar celebrations are held throughout my district--in Fall River
and Dartmouth, in Attleboro and Seekonk.
No one standing on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives can
fail to honor the contributions of Greece to American democracy,
freedom, literature and philosophy. Throughout this Capitol and this
city, everywhere you might look, you will see homage to Greek ideas and
ideals. They are engraved on our buildings, enshrined in our laws, and
they surely influenced the minds and hearts of the men and women who
founded this nation.
Greece is enjoying a new era of prosperity and looking forward to
joining the European Economic and Monetary Union by January 1, 2001.
The most recent report of the organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) issued in Paris on January 14, 1999, concludes that
``thanks to continuous efforts in recent years, the target date seems
to be feasible for Greece.'' And like many of my House colleagues, I am
looking forward to the 2004 Olympic Games, which will return to their
home in Greece for the first time in 108 years. I'm sure that the
Athens Games will help heal the wounds of the current scandals
affecting the International Olympic Committee.
I want to thank the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Michael Bilirakis]--a
fine example of the contribution Greek heritage continues to make to
American democracy--and to the gentlelady from New York [Mrs. Carolyn
Maloney] for organizing this special order on this historic occasion.
I would like to remind them that, if Massachusetts would have had its
way, we might have had two Greek-Americans as President of the United
States. And so I thank them for their leadership of the Hellenic Caucus
and for all their fine efforts to educate and involve other Members on
the issues challenging Greek and U.S policy today.
Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, today, I wish to celebrate
an important day in Greek history, the 178th anniversary of Greece's
independence. I wish to thank my colleagues from Florida and New York
for taking the initiative to organize this special order to honor
Greece on this important day and for organizing the Congressional
Caucus on Hellenic Issues. I am pleased to be part each year of this
organized and concerted effort to speak out on those issues which are
important to Greece, Cyprus, and our constituents of Hellenic descent.
Greek and American history are closely linked. Both nations owe a
large part of their national identity today, to the influence of the
other in the past. When Thomas Jefferson was writing the Declaration of
Independence and our founding fathers were writing our Constitution,
they drew upon the work of Greek scholars and philosophers. Indeed, our
system of Democracy could never have existed without the influence of
these ancient Greek scholars. Similarly, Greece looked to the United
States and the American Revolution as a point of inspiration when it
began its struggle for independence on March 25, 1821.
Furthermore, modern Greek culture has become a vital part of the
culture of the United States through the entrance of Greek immigrants
into the United States. Their hard work has made a tremendous impact on
their communities. In my own state of Rhode Island, there are
incredibly strong and productive Greek communities in Providence,
Pawtucket, and Newport. In these cities, Greek immigrants built
businesses, neighborhoods, churches, schools, and raised families. Our
country is richer because of all that communities such as these have
given.
Because of the influence of Ancient Greece upon our founding fathers,
the contributions of Greek immigrants to American culture, and the
American influence of a Greece's struggle of independence, it is quite
fitting that we celebrate the anniversary of Greece's independence.
Again, I thank my colleagues for all their hard work in making this
Special Order possible and look forward to further work with the
Hellenic Caucus.
Ms. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 178th
anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire, and to
celebrate the shared democratic heritage of Greece and the United
States. I thank Congressman Bilirakis and Congresswoman Maloney for
organizing this special order and for their leadership on issues of
importance to the Greek-American community.
On March 25, 1821, after more than 400 years of Ottoman Turk
domination, Greece declared its independence and resumed its rightful
place in the world as a beacon of democracy.
The people of Greece and the United States share a common bond in
their commitment to democracy. Our Founding Fathers looked to the
teachings of Greek philosophy in their struggle for freedom and
democracy. And the American experience in turn inspired the Greek
people who fought so hard for independence 176 years ago.
This bond between our two peoples stretches beyond the philosophy of
democracy. The relationship between the U.S. and Greece has grown
stronger and stronger through the years, and Greece remains today one
of our most important allies.
And the contribution Greece makes to life in America is even stronger
than the ties between our two countries. Greek-Americans are a vital
part of our cultural heritage. My district in New York would not be
what it is today without the valuable contributions made by the Greek-
American community.
I am proud to stand today in commemoration of Greek independence and
in recognition of the contribution Greece and Greek-Americans have made
to our country.
Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Greek Independence
Day. A a member of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I join
my colleagues in saluting the strong and enduring ties between the
United States and Greece.
The link between our two great nations stretches back to the very
beginning of the United States' days as an independent nation. Our
founding fathers, recognizing the compelling example set by Greece's
experience with democracy, were inspired by the writings of the ancient
Greek philosophers. Indeed, our own experiment with democracy has
proven successful to a large extent because of what we learned from the
Greeks. The Greek influence can be seen throughout our society even as
we gaze upon the architecture of this great building in which we serve.
Today, as we rise in tribute to the 178th anniversary of the
beginning of Greece's struggle for independence, we are reminded of the
importance of maintaining strong ties with
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Greece and its people. As a member of NATO, Greece has shown a
commitment to the same values of international peace and security to
which the United States aspires.
One of the great men from my home state of Massachusetts was Charles
Eliot Norton. Norton, a professor at Harvard, was devoted to
strengthening the ties between Greece and the United States. In 1879,
he founded the Archaeological Institute of America, in an effort to
foster greater appreciation of the treasures of Greek history. As
Norton said, ``A knowledge of Greek thought and life, and of the arts
in which the Greeks expressed their thought and sentiment, is essential
to high culture. A man may know everything else, but without this
knowledge he remains ignorant of the best intellectual and moral
achievements of his own race.''
These words are as true today as when Norton wrote them in 1885. The
modern Greek nation continues to be an inspiration to the United States
and the rest of the world. I look forward to joining in this weekend's
related ceremonies in the Boston area, and I am pleased to be able to
offer my congratulations to the people of Greece on this happy
occasion.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 177th
anniversary of Greek independence. There are, of course, no final
victories in the long struggle to extend the principles of equality and
democracy. Thus, we should take advantage of every appropriate
opportunity to celebrate the triumphs of freedom over tyranny.
In this spirit, our annual remembrance of the Greek delivery from
Ottoman oppression merits special attention, for it was Aristotle
himself who said, ``Democracy arises out of the notion that those who
are equal in any respect are equal in all respects; because men are
equally free, they claim to be absolutely equal.'' In effect, we
celebrate the 177 years that have followed the redemption of
Aristotle's ancient promise.
As we listen to the urgent bulletins from the Balkans, we are
reminded every day of the fragility of the ancient Greek ideal.
Wherever tyranny and ethnic cleansing prevail, the principles of
equality and democracy are under siege. Listen once again to the
profound wisdom of Aristotle: ``If liberty and equality, as is thought
by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best
attained when all persons alike share in the government to the
utmost.''
On this day, let us remember how intimately intertwined are the
histories of the United States and Greece. Look at the Declaration of
Independence. Look at the Constitution of the United States. Look at
the very architecture of our beautiful Capitol. Greek to the core, all
of them. Indeed, Thomas Jefferson was quite explicit about our
connectedness: ``To the ancient Greeks,'' declared our third President,
``we are indebted for the light which led ourselves out of Gothic
darkness.''
In turn, America has opened its heart to multitudes of Greek
immigrants and has, of course, reaped the rewards of that enlightened
generosity. In San Francisco, certainly, we have reaped enormous
benefits from the vibrant presence of our spirited Greek-American
community. And Americans also responded with the Marshall Plan,
immediately following World War II, to the plight of a seriously
weakened and imperiled Greece.
As we brood today over the darkening skies in the Balkan countries,
we should pause for a moment to give thanks for the continuing
relevance of ancient Greece and the continuing example of modern
Greece.
Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, today marks a great anniversary for every
Greek citizen and those who cherish Democracy and freedom worldwide.
178 years ago on this date, courageous Greeks, determined to cast off
the chains of oppression, rose up against the Ottoman Empire and firmly
sounded the cry of freedom. It was fitting that the nation that gave
the world the very concept of democracy was to be a free and sovereign
land once again.
Sadly, like all struggles for freedom, good people lose their lives
striving to uphold what they believe. It is important that we as a
democracy never forget the sacrifices of those brave individuals whose
selfless sacrifices and dedication to democratic ideals gave us the
freedoms and liberties we enjoy today.
I salute those gallant Greeks who stood against oppression so many
years ago today and with happiness and joy for Greek citizens
worldwide.
Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise to acknowledge and
celebrate the 178th Greek Independence Day. This great day in Greek
history commemorates the successful struggle of the Greek people for
national sovereignty. It is no secret that the United States and Greece
have shared a close relationship since Greece's independence. In fact,
Greece is one of the very few countries in the world that has stood
alongside the United States during every major conflict of this last
century.
The United States shares many common threads with Greece, including a
commitment to democracy, peace, and respect for human rights. I think
it's safe to say that the Founding Fathers of Greece and the United
States would be proud of the tremendous achievements of both nations as
well as their closeness. The strong bond that is shared by these two
countries is now approaching its third century, and as we rapidly
approach the twenty-first century, I think its imperative that we
recognize countries such as Greece that are eager to move into the next
millennium hand-in-hand with the United States.
Greek-Americans all around the country are celebrating this great day
for their homeland. Parades, dances, songs and feasts will be occurring
all over this country in celebration of Greek independence. The
celebrations both here and in Greece will no doubt demonstrate the
fortitude of its people. Throughout the past 200 years there have been
repeated challenges to the independence of Greece, yet its people have
stridently fought to maintain both their democracy and independence--
and the United States and its people have been proud to stand by her
and provide strength, assistance and friendship to overcome those
struggles.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to once again celebrate Greek
culture and toast the Greek people. It is an honor to rise and
commemorate the 178th Greek Independence Day. On this day we celebrate
more than just Greece's independence, we celebrate Greece as a country
and as a friend.
Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 178th
anniversary of Greek independence. This date marks the beginning in
1821 of the successful revolution to restore the ideals of democracy to
the Greek people after almost 400 years of oppression and persecution
under the Ottoman Empire.
One cannot stand in these chambers and participate in our system of
representative democracy without recognizing the significant influence
of the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers. In the words of Percy
Bysshe Shelly, ``We are all Greeks! Our laws, our literature, our
religion, our art, have their roots in Greece.'' Tragically, despite
the democratic writings and dialogues of great thinkers like Aristotle,
Plato, and Polybius, the Ottoman Empire ignored those inspirational
principles of equality, freedom, and self rule, and stripped Greek
citizens of their civil rights.
Thankfully, freedom fighters in Greece prevailed and restored the
principles and benefits of democracy to the Greek people. Much as
ancient Greece influenced our founding fathers, so did the United
States in its infancy inspire those rebels who struggled against the
Ottoman rulers. In fact, Greek intellectuals translated the Declaration
of Independence and used it as their own declaration.
Since then, Greece has also battled and triumphed over the spread of
Communism, losing nine percent of its own population in the process.
Throughout all of this strife and upheaval, Greece has remained a
staunch and loyal ally to the United States; furthermore, as President
Dwight D. Eisenhower said, ``Greece asked no favor except the
opportunity to stand for those rights which it believed, and it gave to
the world an example of battle . . . a battle that thrilled the hearts
of all free men and free women everywhere.''
I congratulate Greece on this day marking its 178th anniversary of
independence, and I applaud the Greek people for their constant
devotion to and fierce protection of the democratic principles of
equality, freedom, and self rule. Let us all look to their example as
inspiration in the continuing fight to promote and expand democracy
throughout the world.
Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Greece, a trusted
ally and partner of the United States, on the occasion of Greek
Independence Day, which will be celebrated on March 25th.
It is especially fitting that we in the House of Representatives, the
very embodiment of representative democracy, pay tribute to the
accomplishments of a nation which gave us the gift of democracy and
developed the concept of a government of the people, by the people, and
for the people.
Beginning with ancient Greece, the cradle of democracy, and extending
all the way into modern times, the people of Greece have continued to
give gifts of political philosophy, culture, and friendship to the
world. The special relationship between the United States and Greece
has been reinforced throughout our country's short history, from the
emulation of ancient Greek democracy by our founding fathers to our
steadfast alliance during every major international conflict in the
20th century and our partnership in the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization.
In tribute to Greece--our partner in times of war and peace, our
reliable friend, and a nation which has, over the millennia,
contributed key political and social principles to world society--I
rise on the occasion of the 178th anniversary of the revolution which
led to Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire. For
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the United States, this revolution was particularly auspicious, as it
led to the creation of one of our most faithful allies.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I am here with my colleagues
to commemorate the 178th anniversary of Greek Independence Day which is
a national day of celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
While commemorative resolutions are no longer allowed in the House,
there is support for Greek Independence Day. Every year since 1986, a
resolution has been cosponsored by over 50 Senators and passed in the
Senate. The President has once again signed a proclamation this year
recognizing this as Greek Independence Day, and I would like to insert
a copy of this in the Record.
``Our Constitution is called a democracy because power is in the
hands not of a minority but of the whole people. When it is a question
of settling private disputes, everyone is equal before the law; when it
is a question of putting one person before another in positions of
public responsibility, what counts is not a membership of a particular
class, but the actual ability which the man possesses,'' This could
have been written by Thomas Jefferson, but it was written by Pericles
in an address made in Greece 2,000 years ago.
Plato said, ``Democracy is a charming form of government, full of
variety and disorder, and dispensing a kind of equality to equals and
unequals alike.'' Isn't that a wonderful way to describe democracy?
Thomas Jefferson once said, ``. . . to the ancient Greeks . . . we
are all indebted for the light which led ourselves out of Gothic
darkness.''
Just as Greek ideas of democracy and individual liberties became the
foundation of our government, the American Revolution became one of the
ideals of the Greeks as they fought for their independence in the
1820's.
Greek intellectuals translated the Declaration of Independence of the
United States and used it as their own declaration.
A Greek Commander in Chief (Petros Mavromichalis) appealed to the
citizens of the United States, saying: ``Having formed the resolution
to live or die for freedom, we are drawn toward you by a just sympathy
since it is in your land that liberty has fixed her abode, and by you
that she is prized as by our fathers. Hence, honoring her name, we
invoke yours at the same time, trusting that in imitating you, we shall
imitate our ancestors and be thought worthy of them if we succeed in
resembling you . . . it is for you, citizens of America, to crown this
glory . . .''
Greece has been a long and trusted ally. In fact, they fought along
side of us in every major international conflict this century.
During the early 1900s, one of every four Greek males between the
ages of 15 and 45 departed for the United States. And, I might add that
many of them settled in Astoria, Queens which I am fortunate enough to
represent. Astoria is one of the largest and most vibrant communities
of Greek and Cypriot Americans in this country.
It is truly one of my greatest pleasures as a Member of Congress to
be able to participate in the life of this community, and the wonderful
and vital Greek American friends that I have come to know are one of
its greatest rewards.
I have also had the pleasure of establishing the Congressional Caucus
on Hellenic Issues with the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis. This
caucus allows Members of the House to join together to find ways to
work toward better United States-Greek and Cypriot relations.
We are here today because 177 years ago today, the revolution which
freed the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire began. Greece had
remained under the Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years, and during this
time the people were deprived of all civil rights.
Many volunteers from various localities in the United States sailed
to Greece to participate in Greece's war for independence.
On this joyous occasion, we should also direct our attention to the
island of Cyprus which, for 25 years now, has been striving for an end
to its tragic division and the illegal Turkish occupation of 37 percent
of its territory. Again, Cyprus is on the verge of becoming a
flashpoint for regional conflict because of Turkey's hardline stance
with unrealistic conditions to any peace talks.
It is now time to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful solution. We
must use Cyprus's EU accession as an impetus for positive progress and
not let Turkey use it as an excuse for heightened tensions.
A positive contribution by Turkey to help resolve the situation in
Cyprus would facilitate Turkey's aspirations to become a member of the
European Union. We should use our influence in the region to help
Turkey understand this.
Hopefully, soon we will also celebrate Cyprus Day when once again the
entire island will be united.
However, the reason that we are here today is to celebrate the 178th
anniversary of Greek Independence.
Daniel Webster said of this time in Greek history, ``This [Greek]
people, a people of intelligence, ingenuity, refinement, spirit, and
enterprise, have been for centuries under the atrocious unparalleled
Tartarian barbarism that ever oppressed the human race.''
There has always been a special bond of friendship between our two
countries, and I would like to leave you with a quote from Percy
Shelley.
``We are all Greeks! Our laws, our literature, our religion, our art,
have their roots in Greece.''
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today to
mark the 178th anniversary of Greek independence from the Turkish
Ottoman Empire. I would like to thank Congressman Bilirakis and
Congresswoman Maloney for their steadfast leadership on Greek issues
and for organizing this Special Order to recognize this historic event.
Mr. Speaker, for over two centuries, the United States and Greece
have enjoyed a strong and enduring relationship. During the Second
World War, fighting alongside American troops, more than 600,000 Greek
soldiers died fighting against the Axis powers illustrating Greece's
strong commitment to the United States and freedom loving people
everywhere. Today, Greece's commitment to peace and democracy
throughout our world continues through their participation in NATO,
modern history's most successful alliance.
Our bonds are deeper still, however, for we are joined by blood,
culture, and a profound commitment to shared values. Greek ideals of
democracy and freedom inspired our Nation's founders and breathed life
into America's experiment with democratic self-government. Generations
of Greek Americans have enriched every aspect of our national life, in
the arts, sciences, business, politics and sports. Through hard work,
love of family and community, they have contributed greatly to the
prosperity and peace that we all enjoy as Americans today.
Mr. Speaker, I have the great honor of representing a number of
Greek-Americans in the Seventh District of New York. Their influence
and active participation in the life of their communities has fostered
economic, political and social growth throughout New York City.
But as we celebrate Greek independence, we must keep in mind the
ongoing struggle for freedom and demand for human rights on the island
of Cyprus.
Turkey's tragic and illegal occupation of 37 percent of the island
and continued unwillingness to negotiate a peaceful settlement to the
crisis threatens to ignite renewed fighting on the island, which would
be devastating to chances for a lasting peace. I believe the United
States and the international community must remain steadfast in our
resolve to bring peace and unity to an island that has been home to
violence and division for far, far too long.
In closing Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate my strong commitment to
Greek communities in my district, the country, and throughout the
world. Their strength and dedication to democracy and peace in the
world has made them a shining star of modern civilization.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlemen from
Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, and the gentlelady from New York, Ms. Maloney
for organizing this Special Order to honor the 178th anniversary of
Greece's independence. They are tireless in their promotion of close
ties between the United States and Greece, and I have enjoyed working
with them over the years to strengthen relations with one of America's
greatest allies.
I would like to begin by congratulating Greece and the Greek
community in America for 178 years of independence. I would also like
to reaffirm the special relationship the United States has with Greece.
The issue I want to focus on tonight is Turkey's threat to use
military force against Greece in response to the Ocalan affair.
Settling differences with military force is an option to be used only
as the last resort after all diplomatic channels have been exhausted.
Turkey, however, seems to salivate at the prospect of a military
confrontation with Greece. At every conceivable opportunity Ankara
threatens Greece with the use of military force.
Shortly before the Ocalan affair erupted, Turkey threatened to attack
Greece if Greece deploys the defensive S-300 missile system in Crete.
That deployment is scheduled as part of a gesture put forward by the
Cypriot government to defuse tensions in Cyprus over the initial plan
to deploy that system on Cyprus. I should also add that part of the
Cypriot plan to defuse that crisis and move the peace process forward
includes a reiteration of the standing offer to demilitarize the island
accompanied by a new offer to pay for a peacekeeping force following
the demilitarization. This peaceful proposal has to date been rejected
by the Turks, who, as I say seem interested only in threatening to use
force against Greece.
As with all Turkish threats, the threat to use force in response to
the Ocalan affair must be taken seriously. The endless stream of
threats
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to use force by Ankara are destabilizing to the already tense
Mediterranean region, to NATO and ultimately to all of Europe. They are
also counter to US interests. In my view the United States government
needs to be much more forceful in communicating to the Turks that these
threats are unacceptable and that there will be severe consequences to
US-Turkey relations if Ankara resorts to the use of military force.
Many in Greece and the Greek community in the United States speculate
that one of the reasons why Turkey has been issuing threats as of late
is to spark another confrontation over sovereign Greek territory in the
Aegean. ``A short military confrontation,'' observes a recent editorial
in the GreekAmerican on Turkey's claims to Greek territory ``may be
just the ticket.''
Two years ago, Turkey was almost successful in sparking just such a
confrontation over the Greek islets of Imia. The confrontation was
avoided only after President Clinton personally intervened, but the
issue is not resolved. Turkey continues to make unfounded claims of
sovereignty over the islets of Imia. I am hopeful the Administration
will be prepared to act swiftly should this issue again flare up. In
order to keep it on the front burner, I introduced H Con Res 36 in
February, which expresses the sense of Congress that the islets of Imia
are sovereign territory under international law. It also states that
Turkey should agree to bring this matter before the International Court
of Justice at the Hague for a resolution.
Again, I think it is important to keep examples like these in mind in
the wake of the Ocalan affair and discount Turkey's attempt to slander
Greece's commitment and readiness to resolve conflicts peacefully and
in full accordance with international law. It is precisely this
commitment to peace and democracy that we have must keep in mind as we
celebrate 178 years of Greek independence. And I just want to point
out, to its credit, the State Department has rejected Turkey's
ridiculous assertion following Ocalan's capture that Greece supports
terrorism.
Before I conclude, Mr. Speaker, there is one last observation I want
to make about the way the US government has handled the Ocalan affair.
Notwithstanding its rejection of Turkey's propaganda regarding Greece,
there are aspects of this case that are very troubling.
The US government's role in helping the Turks capture Ocalan is well
documented. What troubles me about the American government's role is
its willingness to help the Turk's capture Ocalan knowing full well the
chances he will receive a fair trial are slim to none. Already the
Turks have refused to allow Ocalan's attorney's to defend him. Instead
the Turkish courts appointed 15 lawyers to defend him, two of which
recently resigned after receiving death threats. Unsurprisingly, the
other 13 are also expected to resign. Ankara has also decided to bypass
its regular court system and bring Ocalan before some kind of three-
judge tribunal with no jury and no foreign observers.
The US government's claim that it was trying to upheld justice is
specious at best. In turning Ocalan over to the Turks, the American
government saw an opportunity to curry favor with Ankara. In my view,
this was done in support of an inexplicable American policy toward
Ankara that overlooks a myriad of unconscionable Turkish policies--most
notably those involving Cyprus and Armenia--in exchange for continued
access to Turkish military facilities and airspace.
It is the willingness of the US government to ignore the notorious
abuses and show trials in the Turkish judicial system that I find
troubling. If the US government was truly interested in insuring
justice be carried out in a fair manner, it should have helped deliver
him to a court where fair judicial proceedings are the norm, such as
the International Court of Justice at the Hague.
With that, I once again congratulate Greece on the anniversary of its
independence and thank my colleagues once again for holding this
Special Order.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is an occasion for celebrating the
strong ties and traditions that bind America with our friends in
Greece. I commend the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, the co-
chairman of our Hellenic Issues Caucus for his diligence in ensuring
each year that the House mark this important day by way of a special
order. In commemorating the 178th anniversary of the independence of
Greece from the Ottoman overlords, we should bear in mind that it was
to the practices and institutions of ancient Athens that our
forefathers looked for an example and inspiration as they set in place
the principles of democracy that have guided our great Nation and its
people.
It was to our young nation, where the spirit of democracy was reborn
in the modern era, that the people of Greece looked as they fought for
and won their own independence in 1821.
Today, we are preparing for a new round of strife in the Balkans that
could very likely involve the armed forces of our own country. We note
with gratitude the efforts made by the government of Greece in trying
to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Kosovo. The leaders of
Greece have made numerous trips to Belgrade in an effort to persuade
Milosevic that he must yield to the demands of the international
community and cease his brutal policies against the people of Kosovo.
Greece is also in the forefront of those countries providing assistance
to the government of Albania, helping to restore order to Albania's
society after the civil strife that nearly destroyed the country 2
years ago.
Since 1821 when the people of Greece triumphed in their heroic fight
for independence, the people of Greece and the United States of America
have been as one in the struggle to promote and protect democratic
freedoms and human rights around the world. Today, as we face new
challenges to that tradition in the Balkans and elsewhere, we value our
friends in Greece for their continued support and encouragement.
Accordingly, I urge that our colleagues continue the effort to keep the
mutual spirit of friendship thriving. Yasou. Efkaristo!
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). Under a previous order of the
House, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5
minutes.
(Mr. MORAN of Kansas addressed the House. His remarks will appear
hereafter in the Extensions of Remarks.)
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