[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, the annual March 25th celebration 
of Greek Independence Day commemorates the independence of Greece from 
400 years of oppression under the Ottoman Empire. Greeks have made 
great contributions to the world in literature, philosophy, mathematics 
and government. The names of Homer, Socrates, Euclid and Alexander echo 
through the pages of world history. It was the Greek people who started 
the Olympic Games saying there was more honor in peaceful competition 
than in wars of conquest. The greatest gift Greek people have given the 
world, though, is a simple yet powerful idea that was born over 2,000 
years ago. It is the idea that a nation's power lies in the hands of 
its people. The Athenian republic was the world's first democracy, a 
fact that all free nations must respect.
  The bonds that join the United States and Greece are deep and long 
lasting. Our fore-fathers recognized the spirit and idealism of ancient 
Greece when drafting our Constitution. Forty-five years after our own 
revolution for independence, Greece freed itself with its own 
revolutionary struggle.
  In every major international conflict of this century, Greece has 
been a proud ally of the United States. Honoring this day will pay 
special tribute to those Greek men and women who gave their lives for 
the common cause of freedom. Greek-Americans can especially take pride 
in their ancestors' sacrifice. The many Greek sons and daughters who 
have come to the United States have worked honorably in all areas of 
American life, including public service. Greek culture flourishes in 
American cities, adding to our country's rich diversity.
  I hope Greece will resolve its differences with its Turkish neighbors 
over Cyprus. I hope all people in the region share in America's belief 
that this can be achieved through diplomacy instead of violence. Let us 
be mindful of the olive tree and the Olympic flame, the great symbols 
of Greece, and remember, too, that they are also symbols of 
peace.

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