[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2004

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, Greek Independence Day is not only an 
opportunity won by the Greeks after 400 years of oppression, but also 
an opportunity to remind ourselves of the freedom we are able to 
exercise today. Americans like the rest of the world's democracies, 
truly appreciate the Hellenic ideals of liberty, freedom, and 
democracy. The ancient Greeks fashioned the notion of democracy, and 
our Founding Fathers drew heavily from their philosophy and political 
experience in forming our own representative government.
  The excellence of mankind has often been symbolized by Hellenic 
ideals. The works of Homer, Plato, and Aristotle, have been studied by 
countless numbers of students over hundreds of years. The Olympics, a 
tournament of sports watched and enjoyed by millions, experienced its 
birth among the ancient Greeks. Seeking to promote friendship and peace 
among nations the Olympics now boast almost 200 participating 
countries. This summer, the 2004 Summer Olympics will return to their 
birthplace and now more than ever, we should be reminded of these 
values and strive to meet them with other nations of the world.
  On Greek Independence Day we should also seek to celebrate the living 
history of Greek heritage. During the occupation by the Ottoman Turks, 
they risked harsh penalties, some extreme as death, to teach their 
children the culture, history, and language of their glorious 
ancestors. These ``Secret Schools'' kept alive the heritage and spirit 
demonstrated today. It is this dedication to Greek culture and ideals 
that led them to revolt against the Ottomans in 1821.
  During the Greek's 8-year revolution for freedom, many Americans 
fought alongside them in battle. The United States Congress sent funds 
along with supplies to aid the fight for independence. That friendship 
is still strong today as Greece and its people join us in combating 
terrorism that seeks to destroy the ideals of liberty, freedom and 
democracy which we value.

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