[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E478]]
                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2004

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 183 years of the 
Greek people's freedom and independence, and their noble revolution 
from the Ottoman Empire in March of 1821. As Greeks and Greek-Americans 
celebrate Greek Independence Day, I join them and my colleagues in 
recognizing this great nation.
  Nearly 400 years ago, the Greek people embarked on a powerful 
revolution against the Ottoman oppressors. The ancient Greeks forged a 
mighty wave of democracy and freedom following the fall of 
Constantinople, culminating with Bishop Germanos of Patras raising the 
Greek flag at Agia Lavras.
  Today, 183 years after Greece's successful and bold revolution, she 
continues to prove herself a loyal ally of the United States, while 
standing firm in her advocacy of democracy and freedom. Greece is one 
of only three nations in the world beyond those of the former British 
Empire to be allied with the United States in every major conflict of 
the 20th Century. The United States is fortunate to have such a 
longstanding and reliable ally.
  As we continue to eradicate the global threat of terror, Greece again 
stands firm with the United States. Our efforts in the war against 
terror would not be as successful without the continued assistance from 
our allies in Greece.
  I join my colleagues in saluting and thanking the Greek people on 
this 183rd year of freedom and independence. To Greece, our free and 
democratic ally: ``Cronia polla hellas''.

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