[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the nation of Greece 
on its triumphant 185th anniversary of winning independence. Throughout 
its glorious history, Greece has proven to be an inspiration to the 
United States and to nations around the world.
  The birthplace and cradle of democracy, Greece's long history of 
promoting the ideals of justice and freedom now serves as a standard 
against which we measure all other nations. The legacy of antiquity is 
still felt throughout the streets of Athens today. It was the ancient 
Greeks who first realized that the right of self-governance was an 
essential foundation of any civilized society. Although such principles 
seem elementary today, their ideas were revolutionary in their own 
time. We cannot discount the influence that ancient Greece has had on 
our Nation.
  In the founding of our Nation, Greece served as a model by which the 
framers of the constitution structured our government. After helping to 
author our Constitution, Thomas Jefferson referred to Greece as ``the 
light, which led us out of Gothic darkness.'' That same light, still 
shining from the distant memories of ancient Greece, guides our Nation 
today.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honoring the nation of 
Greece, on the 185th anniversary of their independence. Much like our 
own Fourth of July, Greek Independence Day is a time for people to come 
together and celebrate a shared vision. For the past six years, the 
organizers of the Greek Independence Day Committee have worked to 
create a wonderful community and family event that is enjoyed and 
shared by Clevelanders of all ethnic backgrounds. This year, it is 
important for all Americans to remember the history of independence and 
to remember where the roots of our Nation originate. It is a time to 
honor all people who join in the struggle for liberty and justice.

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