[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 123 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H7992-H7994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1945
COMMENDING PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF GREECE FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF
2004 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 774) commending the people
and Government of Greece for the successful completion of the 2004
Summer Olympic Games.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 774
Whereas in August 2004, the Summer Olympic Games returned
to Greece, their ancient birthplace and the land of the
Acropolis, Homer, and Plato, reminding all of the origin of
democracy;
Whereas the people and Government of Greece, through
extraordinary diligence, energy, and imagination, hosted a
successful 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens;
Whereas Greece demonstrated an extraordinary ability to
accommodate more than 10,000 athletes from 202 countries,
along with hundreds of thousands of spectators, foreign
dignitaries, and journalists, and did so efficiently,
securely, and with hospitality;
Whereas the 2004 Summer Olympic Games hosted by Greece
proudly displayed the ideals of the Olympic movement,
promoting mutual understanding, friendship, and peace among
nations through noble athletic competition;
Whereas close cooperation between Greece and the United
States on several aspects of the Olympic Games, including
security, was consistent with the longtime friendship and
alliance between two nations that have stood side by side in
defense of a shared commitment to freedom and democracy for
more than 100 years;
Whereas Greece provided the world with the unique
experience of seeing the Olympics framed by ancient wonders
such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis and the stadium in
Olympia;
Whereas Greece displayed its modern achievements through
extraordinary Olympic venues, world-class infrastructure, and
breathtaking and high-tech opening and closing ceremonies;
and
Whereas following completion of the games, United States
Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth stated that
``history will record these Games as among the greatest, if
not the greatest, of all time'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends the people of Greece for the successful
completion of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games; and
(2) agrees with United States Olympic Committee Chairman
Peter Ueberroth that ``history will record these Games as
among the greatest, if not the greatest of all time''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Murphy). Pursuant to the rule, the
gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) and the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Wexler) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann
Davis).
General Leave
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and
extend
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their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 774, the
resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I might consume.
I rise in strong support of H. Res. 774 commending the people and
government of Greece for the successful completion of the 2004 Summer
Olympic Games, and I want to commend our colleagues, the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis),
and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for introducing this
legislation.
For 17 glorious days this summer, with the spectacular setting of the
ancient Parthenon and Acropolis as background, the Nation of Greece
hosted the world to what has been referred to by some as one of the
greatest games of all times.
As we followed the progress of the preparations, we realized it
surely was not easy to accomplish. The costs were high, and the
tensions associated with providing security for 10,000 athletes and
hundreds of thousands of visitors and spectators placed great pressure
on the government of Greece. But in the end, the world-class venues and
infrastructure provided, the breathtaking opening and closing
ceremonies and, of course, the competition itself afforded the world an
unparalleled look at the energy, diligence, hospitality and imagination
of the people of Greece.
All of Greece has a right to be proud of what was accomplished this
summer. This resolution reaffirms that recognition.
I urge adoption of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume,
and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I would first like to commend our colleague, the
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan), for introducing this
important resolution.
The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens recently unfolded before the eyes of
hundreds of millions of people around the world, some watching in
person, but many more on television. It is fair to say, Mr. Speaker,
that the Athens games were an unqualified success.
Despite fears of terrorism or that key Olympic venues would not be
ready, Athens was more than prepared to receive tens of thousands of
athletes and officials from around the world, and the Olympic spirit
thrived as athletes lived out their dreams.
These were truly historic games. The Summer Olympic Games returned to
Greece, their ancient birthplace, for the first time. The games brought
together people from all over the world; 202 countries participated in
the Athens Olympics, including athletes from Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Greek people and the government of Greece, through extraordinary
diligence, energy and enthusiasm, hosted over 10,000 athletes with
efficiency and security. The Greek officials developed transportation
infrastructure to ensure that athletes and spectators could easily get
to all Olympic venues and practice facilities.
The United States and the government of Greece cooperated closely on
several aspects of the Olympic games, including security. This
cooperation solidified the long-standing alliance and friendship
between our two Nations which stand side-by-side in defense of a shared
commitment to freedom and democracy.
The 2004 Olympics in Greece showed us the best combination of a
modern, world-class infrastructure and high-tech innovation, framed by
the ancient wonders of Greece, the birthplace of Western culture and
democracy.
Mr. Speaker, I want to join the sponsors of this resolution in
agreeing with the United States Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth that
``history will record these Games as among the greatest, if not the
greatest, of all time.''
I strongly support this resolution and urge its unanimous passage.
Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res.
774, commending the people of Greece for hosting a successful and safe
Olympics.
As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, it is my
great honor to recognize Greece for its recent achievements.
I am very fortunate and privileged to represent Astoria, Queens--one
of the largest and most vibrant communities of Greek Americans in this
country.
I never had any doubts that Greece would be an excellent host for the
2004 Olympic Games, truly one of the greatest ever to be held.
For three weeks in August, the people of Greece welcomed the world to
participate in an event which allows countries to set aside their
political differences for a brief time to come together in the spirit
of peace and sportsmanship.
Thousands of athletes from around the world returned to the
birthplace of the Olympics to determine the fastest, the strongest, the
best in each competition.
From the swimming pool to the volleyball courts to the track and
field arena, moments of perseverance and victory will be etched in our
memories forever.
As gracious hosts, the people of Greece showed the visiting
delegations its beautiful historic and natural treasures, ensuring that
they would remember their time in Greece for more than only their
events.
We heard much talk in the months leading up to the Games that the
Greeks would not be ready.
But they proved everyone wrong.
The venues were completed and were the sites of some of the most
exciting Olympic competitions ever.
The opening and closing ceremonies were unbelievable.
The volunteers were phenomenal, and the transportation was efficient.
And most importantly, the outstanding security preparations taken in
advance of the Games resulted in the safety of both the athletes and
visitors.
The 2004 Games have set an example for how future host cities will
prepare for this magnificent event.
The dollars and time spent on security were well worth the
investment.
I am tremendously proud of Greece for what it has accomplished.
I an hopeful that its economy will benefit from the Games for years
to come.
I am confident that millions of tourists are planning vacations as we
speak to Greece so that they can see for themselves the ancient ruins
and its gorgeous coastline.
And so that they can meet for themselves Greece's greatest treasure .
. . its people.
I would like to thank my good friend Representative Meehan for
introducing this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished Chairman and
Ranking Member of the International Relations Committee for bringing
this resolution to the floor.
I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 774, to pay tribute to the
people and Government of Greece for hosting an unforgettable 2004
Summer Olympic Games.
This summer, the Olympic Games returned to their ancient birthplace.
The people of Greece proudly displayed the ideals of the Olympic
movement, promoting mutual understanding, friendship, and peace among
nations through noble athletic competition.
Greece overcame daunting security challenges and safely accommodated
more than 10,000 athletes from 202 countries, along with hundreds of
thousands of spectators, foreign dignitaries, and journalists.
These visitors and the Olympics' television viewers worldwide
experienced the games much as they must have been played originally,
framed by ancient wonders such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis and
the stadium in Olympia.
Greece also displayed its modern achievements such as extraordinary
Olympic venues and breathtakingly high-tech opening and closing
ceremonies.
In the words of United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter
Ueberroth, ``history will record these Games as among the greatest, if
not the greatest, of all time.''
The United States and Greece have long enjoyed a deep friendship that
grew from a shared commitment to freedom and democracy more than 100
years ago.
We were proud to work in close cooperation with Greece this year to
ensure the safety and success of this summer's games.
I therefore join in commending the people of Greece for hosting an
extraordinary 2004 Summer Olympic Games, and urge the House to pass
this resolution. Zeto Ellas!
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my highest praise
and congratulations for the magnificent way Greece hosted the 2004
Summer Olympics. I strongly support H. Res. 774, a resolution which
commends the people and government of Greece for the superb Olympic
Games held this summer in Athens.
The task of hosting the modern Olympic Games is filled with honor,
but also presents
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a colossal challenge. With dedication, commitment to hard work, and
inspirational leadership, Greece met the challenge while proudly
showcasing the ideals of the Olympics and promoting friendship and
peace among nations.
As the host to the biggest sporting event in the world, Athens rose
magnificently to the challenge and demonstrated the pride and honor
that comes with such an occasion. The leadership shown by the
government of Greece, and more specifically, the Prime Minister of
Greece, Costas Karamanlis, inspired Athens to a great celebration of
commitment, dedication, and human endeavor. The mayor of Athens, Dora
Bakoyianni, was responsible for presenting the Olympics not only as a
modern sporting occasion, but also as an ancient tradition with superb
new modern facilities surrounded by historic and architectural wonder.
The Olympic Games left behind not only a memory of great athletic
competition, but a legacy of peace, nobility, and honor that should be
at the forefront of all international occasions. The Athens Olympic
Organizing Committee, under the direction of Gianna Dasklaki-
Angelopoulos, presented such a colossal event which surpassed all
expectations. She and her staff succeeded in showcasing all that Athens
has to offer, old and new, as the birthplace of the Olympics and a
frontrunner in modern development. With Athens being the birthplace of
the modern Olympics games and containing so many beautiful ancient
monuments, there could not have been a more perfect setting for a truly
wonderful celebration of athleticism.
The citizens and government of Greece put on a show that made
Hellenes from around the world proud. As a Greek-American, I am most
proud. I commend Greece for ensuring that the 2004 Summer Olympic Games
would not be forgotten. I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res.
774.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no further
requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) that the House suspend
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 774.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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