[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 15, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I recognize the 185th anniversary of 
Greek independence, which will be celebrated on Saturday, March 25.
  As the Greek philosopher Plato said ``The beginning is the most 
important part of the work.'' After centuries of unsuccessful uprisings 
and failure of the Ottoman Empire to assimilate and convert the Greeks, 
the War of Independence began on this day, March 25 in 1821. This was 
the beginning of the end of 400 years of occupation and oppression by 
the Ottoman Turks. During the dark years of the Ottoman occupation, 
thousands were killed and tortured for participating in religious 
activities or teaching their children culture, history, and language. 
The steadfast resolve displayed by the Greeks helped secure their 
independence and recognition as a sovereign power nearly 11 years later 
with the signing of the Treaty of Constantinople.
  This struggle for Greek independence was recognized the world over 
and was supported abroad by prominent world figures including Lord 
Byron of England, and Daniel Webster and Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe of the 
United States.
  As we fight today's Long War on Terror, the Greeks stand by our side. 
A highlight of the Greek military's continuing contributions to the 
International Coalition was the deployment of the 229th Mobile Field 
Surgical Hospital deployed to Afghanistan. At full operational status 
within 3 days, medical experts and officials believe the 229th is one 
of the best medical facilities that has ever operated in Afghanistan.
  A Greek proverb says, ``Success isn't how far you got, but the 
distance you traveled from where you started.'' Still alive and well in 
our own society today are the principles and ideas of ancient Greece. 
When we commemorate the heroism exhibited by the Greeks, we cannot help 
but to think of our Founding Fathers. Then and now, Greece and the 
United States share an absolute commitment to democracy, justice, and 
freedom. In history the Greeks have inspired, and in the present they 
have enlivened our great Nation. It gives me great pleasure and pride 
to cosponsor the Senate Resolution 399 designating March 25, 2006, as 
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and 
American Democracy. I send all Greek-Americans in Rhode Island and 
around the country my best wishes as they celebrate their ancestral 
homeland's independence.

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