[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E403-E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2002

  Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today to commemorate 
the 181st anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire, 
and to celebrate the shared democratic traditions of Greece and the 
United States.
  On March 25, 1821, Greece declared its independence, ending nearly 
400 years of domination by the Ottoman Empire and restoring a 
democratic heritage to the very cradle of democracy.
  Throughout our history, the people of the United States and Greece 
have forged a strong friendship built upon the foundation of shared 
values of democracy and freedom. Our Founding Fathers established this 
nation based on the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers and their 
struggle to build a democratic society. And, in turn, the American 
experience inspired the Greek people in their struggle for independence 
181 years ago.
  Our shared democratic ideals have formed the basis of a strong and 
sustained friendship between Greece and the United States, and today, 
Greece remains one of our most important allies and trusted partners in 
the global community.
  Nowhere is this more evident today than in the war against terrorism. 
Greece is an important member of the international coalition fighting 
this war. U.S. aircraft have made use of Greek airspace and airbases, 
Greek aircrews serve in NATO surveillance planes, and Greece has been a 
key partner in multilateral relief efforts for Afghanistan and Afghan 
refugees.
  The United States has also benefited greatly from the contributions 
of Greek-Americans to shaping our society and building our cultural 
heritage. I am proud to represent a district in New York with a strong 
and active Greek-American community.
  I am delighted to join my colleagues in commemoration of Greek 
Independence Day, and in celebration of the many contributions of 
Greece and Greek-Americans to the United States and the world.

[[Page E404]]



                          ____________________