[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E573]]
               COMMEMORATING THE GREEK REVOLUTION OF 1821

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN F. TIERNEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the Greek Revolution 
of 1821, which marked the beginning of a protracted struggle fought and 
eventually on by a people firmly committed to achieving freedom for 
themselves and liberation for their country.
  It is a day that bears personal significance to--and instills pride 
in--generations of Greek Americans, who still feel a strong sense of 
nationalism toward Greece even though they or their ancestors may have 
moved away long ago.
  Furthermore, irrespective of ethnicity, I believe it is a day of 
particular importance to all Americans, as we share a special kinship 
with the people of Greece. Whenever we promote democracy, civil 
liberties, and the principles of self-determination, we pay testament 
to our countries' shared values.
  Mr. Speaker, on this occasion, I also rise to welcome the honorable 
Mayor of Messini, Messinia, Greece, Christos Christopoulos, to the City 
of Peabody. On March 23, 2005, in a gesture of solidarity, Mayor 
Christopoulos and Peabody's Mayor Michael Bonfanti signed a sister-city 
pact. I extend my congratulations to the mayors, the Saint Vasilios 
Greek Orthodox Church community, and all Greek Americans of Peabody, 
many of whom descend from Messinia, on this important event.

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