[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 39 (Thursday, March 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E430-E431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2001

  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 180th 
anniversary of Greek Independence. Almost two centuries ago this month, 
the Greeks rose up against the Ottoman Empire to establish a modem 
Greek state. Greeks and Greek Americans everywhere can look back 
proudly on the accomplishments of their people over the last 180 years. 
But Americans also owe a large debt to Greece for its friendship and 
democratic traditions. All Americans should take time on this 
anniversary to reflect on the shared values, traditions and history of 
the United States and the Hellenic Republic.
  When our founding fathers in this country sought inspiration for our 
democracy, they looked back to the republics of ancient Greece. The 
Greeks, likewise, looked to the United States for inspiration and 
support as they sought to establish their own independent nation. Since 
that time, many Greeks came to the United States in search of freedom 
and opportunity--so many, that for a time in the early twentieth 
century, one out of every four young Greek men came to the United 
States. Their contributions have been felt in the Arts, the Sciences, 
and government.
  Greece itself has also been a true friend of the United States. From 
Greece's valiant resistance of Nazi Germany in World War Two, to her 
efforts supporting the world community in the Gulf War, Greece has 
stood beside the United States. This cooperation is based not just on 
shared interests, but on the stronger bond of shared values. And when 
these values have been threatened, the Greek nation has stepped forward 
to defend these values, even when it means risking the lives of her 
sons and daughters.
  I mention this because the United States should not take this 
commitment lightly. Just as we here in America hesitate before we send 
our troops in harm's way, so do other democracies. Yet, over the last 
century, Greece has stood by the United States. The United States needs 
to stand by Greece.
  As a mature democracy, Greece is our strongest ally in a region in 
turmoil. ``While relations have improved between Greece and Turkey, 
real issues remain between these two historic antagonists. Cyprus, the 
Aegean Islands, and the treatment of minorities in Turkey are all 
issues that demand resolution. This administration must compel the 
Turkish government to negotiate in good faith on these

[[Page E431]]

contentious issues. I call upon President Bush to maintain the 
commitment to Greece embraced by his predecessors, and insist that 
Turkey demonstrate that it will work to build a new relationship with 
Greece.

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