[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING GREECE'S 183RD INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 31, 2004

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, as a long time supporter and member of the 
Hellenic Caucus, I would like to recognize and congratulate the people 
of Greece on their Independence Day, which they celebrated last week. 
183 years ago, the Greek people won their freedom and independence from 
the Ottoman Empire. This is a great event, not only for Greece, but for 
all countries because it represents and reaffirms our belief in self-
determination and democracy.
  Our nation is built on the principles of the ancient Greek 
philosophers. Our founding fathers looked to Greek political and 
philosophical ideals while forming our nation. Years later, we were 
able to return the favor when the United States independence movement 
helped fuel the strength of the Greek people in seeking their own 
sovereignty from a foreign empire.
  I am also proud to say that the Greek community is especially 
prominent in New York State. We have the largest Greek Community in the 
U.S. and we are home to the Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
  I am honored to join my colleagues in celebration of this significant 
achievement in history and to congratulate the Greek people on their 
independence day.

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