[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                               speech of

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2002

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Madam Speaker, March 25, 2002, marks 181 
years since Greece declared its independence from the occupying Ottoman 
Empire. On March 25, 1821, the Greeks rose against the tyranny with an 
overwhelming conviction to defeat an overpowering foe. After 400 years 
of lingering repression and oppression, the brave elected to take a 
stand and fight for valued liberty and independence. Ultimately, 
freedom prevailed.
  Since September 11, Greece has joined our effort to fight terrorism 
and bring those responsible for that heinous act to justice. We share 
the common goal of deterring future terrorist acts. Although it is and 
will be a difficult fight, unity and alliance with Greece is one of the 
keys to our ultimate victory.
  The war of independence that Greece fought, and ultimately won, 
reminds us today that independence and liberty do not come without 
cost. We look to these shared values to help us endure these trying 
times.
  Madam Speaker, we as Americans are inspired by the Greek people and 
recognize the struggles they have overcome to attain independence. I 
congratulate them on 181 years of freedom.

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