[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 30 (Thursday, March 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2000

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March 26th as 
Greek Independence Day. In honor of this day, The Federation of 
Hellenic Societies of Greater New York is organizing the annual Greek 
Independence Day Parade in New York City.
  The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Greater New York was 
established on November 22nd, 1937 and has made the Parade a City 
ritual for the last 61 years.
  In a March 24, 1999, proclamation declaring Greek Independence Day, 
President Clinton said ``Greek thought and the passion for truth and 
justice deeply influenced many of our nation's earliest and greatest 
leaders. Americans of Greek descent have brought their energy, grace 
and determination to every field of endeavor, and they have added 
immeasurably to the richness and diversity of our national life.''
  New York has seen this passion, energy and grace ever since early 
days of Greek settlement in the City and I am proud to say that New 
York is the home of the largest Greek community in the United States.
  This national holiday in Greece celebrates the anniversary of the 
country's proclamation of independence in 1821 after four centuries of 
Turkish occupation. The war that followed went on until 1829 when 
finally the Turkish sultan recognized the independence of Greece.
  I thank The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York for 
all the contributions they have made to our community and in their 
efforts to make each year's Greek Independence Day Parade more 
memorable than the last.

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