[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E840-E841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 182nd 
Anniversary of Greek Independence Day. On March 25, 1821, the people of 
Greece began their quest for freedom from the Ottoman Turks, and we 
commemorate their resolve and their country's enduring independence.
  The birth of democracy in Greece ushered in one of the true golden 
ages of Western Civilization, and the democratic ideals of ancient 
Greece provided an inspiration and foundation for American democracy. 
The peoples of Greece and the United States enjoy a rich friendship 
based on our common devotion to the ideals of freedom and democracy. 
Our nation continues to strive for high standards of equality and 
justice championed by Greek philosophy; and, in shaping their new 
democracy, the Greeks used the Declaration of Independence as a guide.
  The celebration of Greek Independence Day provides a chance for 
Americans and Greeks alike to reflect on and celebrate a common history 
that shares the same principles of freedom and democracy.
  The Greek Independence Day parade continued its grand tradition this 
year, marking the 65th annual parade along Fifth Avenue in New York 
City. I praise the efforts of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of 
Greater New York for making such a celebration of Greek Independence 
possible. This annual tradition provides a chance for Greeks and 
Americans to celebrate Greek culture and to continue the great 
partnership between our peoples and cultures.
  The commemoration of the Independence of Greece is an important 
reminder of the contributions of Greece to democracy in America and 
worldwide. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Greek 
Independence Day and to pay tribute to the shared traditions of Greek 
and American democracy.

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