[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE IN RECOGNITION OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 185th 
anniversary of Greece's declaration of independence from the Ottoman 
Empire. Against incredibly difficult odds, the Greeks defeated one of 
the most powerful empires in history to gain their independence.
  Following 400 years of Ottoman rule, in March 1821 Bishop Germanos of 
Patras raised the traditional Greek flag at the monastery of Agia 
Lavras, inciting his countrymen to rise against the Ottoman army. The 
bishop timed this act of revolution to coincide with the Greek Orthodox 
holiday celebrating the archangel Gabriel's announcement that the 
Virgin Mary was pregnant with the divine child. Bishop Germanos's 
message to his people was clear: A new spirit was about to be born in 
Greece. The following year, the Treaty of Constantinople established 
full independence for Greece.
  Greek Independence Day is an appropriate time to reflect upon the 
strong ties between Greece and the United States and the strong 
commitment to democracy shared by both nations. The Greeks of 1821 
fought for independence from the Ottoman Empire while drawing 
inspiration from the ideals and institutions of the fledgling United 
States. During their war of independence, the Greeks also received 
support from many Americans, including Presidents James Madison and 
James Monroe and Representatives Daniel Webster and Henry Clay, each of 
whom gave memorable speeches in Congress in support of the Greek 
revolutionaries. Just as our defeat of the British army was remarkable, 
so too was the Greek triumph over the Ottoman Army, a momentous 
achievement in world history.
  New York City is home to the largest Hellenic population outside 
Greece and Cyprus. Western Queens, which I have the honor of 
representing, is often called Little Athens because of the large 
Hellenic population in that neighborhood.
  New Yorkers celebrate Greek Independence Day with a parade on Fifth 
Avenue in Manhattan, along with many cultural events and private 
gatherings. These events, hosted by the Federation of Hellenic 
Societies and other Hellenic and Philhellenic organizations and 
friends, remind us of the Hellenic-American community's many 
contributions to our Nation's history and culture.
  On April 2, the president of the Federation of Hellenic Societies, 
Nikos Diamontidis, along with the organization's officers and board 
members, will join Parade Committee Chairman Dinos Rallis and Secretary 
Petros Galatoulas in reminding New Yorkers of the glory of Greece and 
the hope of freedom and human rights for all. The grand marshals of 
this year's parade are Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Andrew Athens, Paul 
Stapholopoulos, and John Rangos.
  Relations between the United States and Greece remain strong with a 
shared commitment to ensuring stability in southeastern Europe. I hope 
permanent solutions can be found for ending the division of Cyprus and 
finding a mutually agreeable name for the former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia.
  Greece continues to be the home of wonderful artistic achievements 
including the annual Eurovision song contest, which this year will be 
held in Athens. I also am pleased to note that Greece hopes to open its 
Acropolis Museum by the end of next year. This museum will give 
visitors the opportunity to experience and learn about the Acropolis in 
a new and exciting way. I hope that the Elgin Marbles, which have been 
on view in the British Museum, will soon be returned to their home.
  As a founder and cochair of the Hellenic Caucus in Congress, I ask 
the Nation to join me in celebrating Greece's independence. 
Additionally, it is my sincere pleasure to pay tribute to New York's 
Hellenic-American community for its many contributions to our city and 
Nation.
  Zeto E Eleftheria. Long Live Freedom.

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