[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H2298-H2299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleague and dear friend, 
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), with whom we founded and 
co-chair the Hellenic Caucus here in Congress; and I rise with him 
today to celebrate the 182nd anniversary of Greece's declaration of 
independence from the Ottoman Empire.
  As many of my colleagues may know, New York City is the home of the 
largest Hellenic population outside of Greece and Cyprus; and historic 
Queens, which I have the honor of representing, is often called Little 
Athens because of the large influence from Greece and Cyprus in that 
neighborhood.
  I rise today to pay tribute along with the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Bilirakis) to the Hellenic American community, not only in the 
14th Congressional District but in the entire country, for their many 
contributions to America; and also I rise to honor the Federation of 
Hellenic Societies, which will lead the Greek Independence Day Parade 
in Manhattan, again in my district, that pays tribute to the Olympic 
spirit.
  The grand marshal this year is Senator Schumer, who will be 
accompanied by the Federation president, Apostolos Tomopoulos, and 
officers Petros Galatoulas, Takis Vassos, Sotirios Vahaviolos, 
Demetrios Kachulis, Kleanthis Meimaroglou, Stylianos Manis, Elias 
Tsekerides, Anastasios Stasinos, George Georgopoulos, Nikos Alegkakis, 
Gregory Demetroulakos, Nikos Diamantides, Vasilios Petratos, Demetrius 
Kalamaras, George Kaloudis, Nikos Kouzilos, along with other major 
leaders from Astoria and Manhattan, Konstantis Lambrakis, Elena 
Maroulleti, Andreas Savva, John Zapantis, Bill Stathakoss who is the 
honorary president, and John Spyridakis and George Razis.
  Democracy traces its earliest roots back to ancient Greece and the 
Greeks of 1821 fought for independence from Turkey; and when they 
fought, they truly drew inspiration in turn from the ideals and 
institutions of the fledgling United States as they waged their own 
struggle for independence.

[[Page H2299]]

  In the year 2003, a vibrant Greek democracy serves once again as an 
inspiration to its neighbors and the free world.
  The recent apprehension of one of the 19 members of the November 17 
terror group provides reassurance that Greece deals sternly and 
effectively with terrorists. That is one reason that in Greece this is 
considered as the trial of all trials. Certainly, there is every reason 
to welcome the fact that the group responsible for killing many people, 
including four American officials and a British general, is finally 
being brought to justice.
  This significant contribution to the prevention of terrorism and 
Greece's membership to the EU will provide Hellenes with even greater 
stature.
  The Hellenic American community shares a love of freedom, liberty, 
and individual rights. The friendship between our two nations is based 
on mutual respect, a commitment to common goals, and a sharing of 
fundamental values. Ties of blood and kinship also unite us. The modern 
community of approximately 3 million Greek Americans has established a 
natural and enduring bridge between our two nations.
  Today, we take special note of these citizens and thank them for 
their many contributions to our Nation's cultural, economic, and 
political heritage. In the coming year we look forward to the 
preparations for the 2004 Olympics, which will take place in their 
birthplace of Greece. We also look forward to progress in the 
reunification of Cyprus.
  The EU council said, ``The EU strongly supports the continuation of 
the Secretary General's mission of good offices and of negotiations on 
the basis of his proposals.'' They continued that ``it urges all 
parties concerned to spare no effort toward a just, viable and 
functional settlement and, in particular, the Turkish-Cypriot 
leadership to reconsider its position.''
  My desire is that this Greek Independence Day be the symbol of 
independence for all enslaved people. Zeto e eleftheria.

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