[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, in 1821, drawing inspiration 
from the ideals and institutions of the fledgling United States, the 
Greeks waged their own struggle for liberty. They declared their 
independence after 400 years of rule by the Ottoman Empire, therefore 
returning democracy to its birthplace. Today, I rise to commemorate the 
struggle, and later the victory, of Greek Independence.
  Throughout the world, and through history, Greek influence can be 
seen and felt. Our ideas on philosophy, politics, architecture, and the 
arts, stem from the Greeks. Today, Greece is a strong ally to the 
United States, proving to be a valued partner in NATO as well as to the 
whole of Europe. This is also true of Greek-Americans. Greek-Americans 
are extremely important to American society today. They provide our 
nation with scientists, artists, politicians, and in countless other 
areas.
  Today, as we celebrate Greek Independence Day, we are all Greek. 
``Opa!''

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