[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 41 (Monday, March 29, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E468-E469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN TRIBUTE OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 29, 2004

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 183rd 
anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
  On March 25, 1821, the people of Greece rose up against the 
oppressive rule of the Ottoman Turks. For 8 years, the Greeks struggled 
for freedom and democratic self-governance until their independence was 
secured in 1829. The success of this struggle--after almost 400 years 
of Turkish domination--demonstrates the remarkable ability of human 
beings to overcome enormous obstacles in the path to freedom.
  The United States and Greece share a deep commitment to democracy and 
rule of law. American political thought was influenced just as much by 
Greek philosophy as the Greek revolution of 1821 was inspired by the 
American fight for freedom in 1776. In fact, Greek intellectuals used 
the U.S. Constitution as the basis for the constitution they drafted in 
the 1820s.
  The common struggles of our countries have forged a bond that spans 
the generations. The friendship between the United States and Greece is 
based on a common heritage and shared values. Greece has stood by the 
United States as a steadfast ally during World War II, the Korean War, 
the Cold War, the Persian Gulf War, and now, the war on terrorism.
  The citizens of Greece are preparing to host the 2004 Olympic Games, 
an honor that holds particular historical significance. Beginning in 
776 B.C., the Olympic Games were held in the valley of Olympia in 
Greece every four years for almost 1200 years.
  The modern Olympic Games were created by Baron Pierre de Coubertin 
and inspired by

[[Page E469]]

the ancient games. First staged in 1896 in Athens, the games attracted 
about 245 athletes to participate in 43 events. At the Sydney 2000 
Games, more than 10,000 athletes took part in 300 events.
  The Olympic Movement has survived wars, boycotts and terrorism to 
become a symbol of the ability of the people of all nations to come 
together in peace and friendship. And in 2004, the games return to 
their birthplace.
  The Greek Government has made tremendous progress in recent months to 
improve the security infrastructure for the upcoming games and wish 
them the best as they prepare for the challenge of hosting the world's 
premiere athletic event.
  I represent a large and active Greek-American community, and I have 
been proud to support U.S. participation in negotiations over Cyprus, 
the fight for freedom and human rights for all Cypriots, the inclusion 
of Greece in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, and the presentation of the 
Congressional Gold Medal to His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew.
  I congratulate the people of Greece on the anniversary of their 
independence, and I look forward to working together with Greek-
Americans and the Greek Government on issues of mutual interest in the 
years ahead.

                          ____________________