[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 32 (Friday, March 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING 56 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE FOR THE DODECANESE ISLANDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 12, 2004

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Federation 
of Dodecanese Societies of America and Canada, which is celebrating 56 
years of independence for the Dodecanese Islands, which are located in 
the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea. After five centuries of 
foreign rule, the Hellenic people of the islands not only survived 
occupation, but retained their heritage, ethnicity and religion, as 
well.
  The Federation is a link between the many Dodecanese societies in 
North America and current residents of the Dodecanese Islands of 
Greece. More than 40,000 people of Dodecanesian descent live in the New 
York City area and contribute significantly to our community and 
economy.
  The Dodecanese Federation was formed in New York in the 1920s and 
played a major role in the struggle for the liberation of the Islands. 
They joined in the celebration when, on February 10, 1947, the Paris 
Peace Treaty was signed, reuniting the Dodecanese Islands with the 
Greek mainland. The text of the Treaty states in part, ``Italy hereby 
cedes to Greece in full sovereignty the Dodecanese Islands indicated 
thereafter, namely Stampalia, Rhodes, Calki, Scarpanto, Casos, 
Piscopis, Misiros, Calimnos, Leros, Patmos, Lipsos, Simi, Cos, and 
Castelorizo, as well as the adjacent islets.'' Greece ratified the 
Paris Treaty on October 22, 1947; formal reunification occurred on 
March 7, 1948.
  Today, the Federation is devoted to supporting Hellenic-American 
relations and culture with a broad range of programs. Additionally, 
many of the Federation's member organizations have educational, 
cultural, and festival activities that promote and enrich the Hellenic 
community in the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, as the founder and co-chairperson of the Congressional 
Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join 
me in paying tribute to the heroes of the long struggle for 
Dodecanesian independence. The Federation of Dodecanese Societies of 
America and Canada deserve our continuing respect, admiration and 
support.
  Zeto E Eleftheria! (Long Live Freedom!)

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