[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Greek people and 
their successful struggle for independence from Ottoman occupation that 
began nearly 184 years ago.
  The Greek intellectual exploration into the meaning of civics and 
citizenship sparked questions about government that are still being 
asked throughout the world. Greek curiosity nurtured great thinkers 
such as Plato and Socrates who spent their lives examining the role 
between the individual and the state. They posed questions like ``what 
is the meaning of justice?'' and ``what is the ideal republic?'' These 
timeless questions are still being asked in nations that are searching 
for a more just government and are being tested in democracies around 
the world.
  When establishing our democratic nation, our founding fathers drew a 
great deal from the ancient Greeks. Our Democratic system, that is 
founded on the principals of popular representation, was introduced by 
the ancient Athenians who were the first to create a civilization based 
on the rule of the people. Our founding fathers continued the Greek 
tradition of debating how best to govern and pursued a government that 
would provide liberty and justice for all. Our dual experiments in 
democratic government will forever link the United States and Greece.
  While our founding fathers relied heavily on the teachings of ancient 
Greeks, the Greeks based their independence movement beginning in 1821 
on our fight for freedom from the British. The Greeks used our struggle 
for independence as inspiration during their fight from Ottoman rule. 
Through perseverance and determination the Greeks were able to break 
from tyranny and bring democracy back to its origins.
  Not only can we trace our democratic government to Greece, but also 
the foundation of science. As some of the first philosophers, the 
Greeks explored the fields of mathematics, logic, astronomy, physics 
and biology. The Greeks focused on thinking and understanding, rather 
than the practical use of their findings in science. Through 
Aristotle's concept of a posteriori we base the foundations for the 
modern scientific method. The Greeks taught us that only through 
experimentation can one truly understand the surrounding world. Our 
basic understanding of the Earth came from the studies of Ancient 
Greeks as they questioned the sun, the moons and the stars.
  Without the early studies of the Greeks, our current world would be 
much different. On this 184th anniversary of Greek independence and as 
a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I rise to honor the Greeks on their 
everlasting input in our society.

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