[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2001

  Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 180th 
anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire, and to 
celebrate the shared democratic heritage of Greece and he United 
States.
  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 to fight hard for their independence 180 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.
  Greece has made many valuable contributions to the United States and 
to the lives of all Americans. Greek-Americans are a vital part of our 
cultural heritage, and I feel fortunate that my district in New York 
has benefited from the active participation of Greek-Americans in our 
community.
  I am proud to stand today in commemoration of Greek independence and 
in recognition of the contributions Greece and Greek-Americans have 
made to our country.

                          ____________________