[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
185th anniversary of Greek independence and to pay tribute to the 
contributions of Greek Americans to the American melting pot.
  In 1821, an underground rebellion began by Greeks who had been living 
for generations under occupied rule by the Ottoman Turks for over 400 
years. The War for Independence ended roughly 7 years later, when 
Greece achieved its liberation with the Treaty of Andrianople. Only 
then, were Greek citizens able to fully celebrate their culture, their 
religion, and their democratic heritage.
  And, it was that rich philosophical history on which our Founding 
Fathers drew inspiration. When drafting our Constitution over 200 years 
ago, many ideas came from the world's first democracy in Ancient 
Greece.
  Greece has long been one of the United States' closest allies. 
Fighting alongside America in every war of the 20th Century, Greece 
continues to offer strong support with the current War on Terrorism.
  With over 3 million Greek Americans living in the U.S. today, Greek 
culture still plays an important role in communities all across the 
Nation. Public service organizations, like AHEPA's Chapter 453 in 
Wyckoff, New Jersey, are committed to being positive participants in 
our society. And, it has been an honor to work with them over the past 
several months.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Americans to recognize Greek 
Independence Day and the valuable contributions that so many Greeks and 
Greek Americans have made to our country.

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