[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join the Greek American 
community in celebrating the 181st anniversary of Greek independence.
  On March 25, 1821, the Archbishop of Patras blessed the Greek flag at 
the Aghia Lavra Monastery near Kalavrita, marking the beginning of the 
Greek war of independence in which nearly 400 years of Ottoman rule 
were turned aside.
  Ancient Greece was the birthplace of democratic values. It brought 
forth the notion that the ultimate power to govern belongs in the hands 
of the people. It inspired a system of checks and balances to ensure 
that one branch of government does not dominate any other branch.
  These ideals inspired our Founding Fathers as they wrote the 
Constitution. In the words of Thomas Jefferson: ``to the ancient Greeks 
. . . we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves out of 
Gothic darkness.''
  Today, the United States is enriched not only by Greek principles but 
also by its sons and daughters. Greek Americans have made major 
contributions to American society, including our arts, sports, 
medicine, religion, and politics.
  My home State of Michigan has been enhanced by the Greek community. 
In Macomb and St. Clair Counties, we are served by St. John's Greek 
Orthodox Church and Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. These 
institutions provide a multitude of community services and add to the 
rich diversity of the area.
  Mr. Speaker, I join the people of Greece and those of Greek ancestry 
around the world celebrating Greek Independence Day.
  I salute all of them for the tremendous contributions to freedom and 
human dignity which they have made.

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