[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMEMORATION OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I am honored to rise today to 
acknowledge and celebrate the 179th anniversary of Greek Independence. 
On March 25, 1821, courageous Greeks, poorly armed but imbued with an 
ancient calling for democracy, initiated a revolution that would 
successfully end 400 years of oppression by the Ottoman Empire. I am 
proud to join my distinguished colleagues as a cosponsor of Senator 
Specter's Senate Resolution 251 which designates Saturday ``Greek 
Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American 
Democracy.''
  The achievements of Greek civilization in art, architecture, science, 
philosophy, mathematics, and literature became legacies for succeeding 
generations living around the world. But it was the idea of democracy, 
born in Athens over two thousand five hundred years ago, that signaled 
the beginning of a lasting revolution to which we as Americans are 
eternally grateful.
  As citizens of the United States, we are proud to recognize the 
contributions of Greek culture in the creation of our great nation. The 
Founding Fathers, deeply inspired and influenced by Hellenic ideals, 
developed our representative democracy from the example of the ancient 
Greeks. As U.S. democracy flourished, its principles inspired citizens 
in other nations, sparking revolutions across time and space, from 
France in 1789 to Portugal in 1974.
  As vital as the culture of ancient Greece was to the formation of our 
nation, modern Greek culture continues to enrich our society today. I 
can speak firsthand of the significant contributions that Greek-
Americans make in my home state of Rhode Island. They serve our 
communities in many professions and continue to contribute to the state 
through their hard work and active citizenship.
  Greece's commitment to democracy has been essential in fostering 
stability and supporting the ideals of freedom and equality among its 
neighbors in the Balkans and in the Mediterranean region. Today, the 
United States supports Greece in its call for fellowship and peace in 
the Balkan peninsula and on the divided island of Cyprus. I applaud the 
Greek people for their commitment to the protection of democratic 
principles in these regions.
  Therefore, on the day marking the 179th anniversary of the revolution 
for independence, I congratulate all Greeks and Greek-Americans and 
express my appreciation for their contributions and those of their 
ancestors.

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