[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 13, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H2450-H2453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE 186TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF GREECE AND
CELEBRATING GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 228) recognizing the 186th anniversary of the
independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 228
Whereas the ancient Greeks developed the concept of
democracy, in which the supreme power to govern was vested in
the people;
Whereas the Founding Fathers of the United States drew
heavily on the political experience and philosophy of ancient
Greece in forming our representative democracy;
Whereas Greek Commander in Chief Petros Mavromichalis, a
founder of the modern Greek state, said to the citizens of
the United States in 1821 that ``it is in your land that
liberty has fixed her abode and . . . in imitating you, we
shall imitate our ancestors and be thought worthy of them if
we succeed in resembling you'';
Whereas Greece played a major role in the World War II
struggle to protect freedom and democracy through such
bravery as was shown in the historic Battle of Crete, which
provided the Axis land war with its first major setback,
setting off a chain of events that significantly affected the
outcome of World War II;
Whereas the price for Greece in holding our common values
in their region was high, as hundreds of thousands of
civilians were killed in Greece during World War II;
Whereas throughout the 20th century, Greece was one of only
three countries in the world, other than the former British
Empire, that allied with the United States in every major
international conflict;
Whereas President George W. Bush, in recognizing Greek
Independence Day, said, ``Greece and America have been firm
allies in the great struggles for liberty. Americans will
always remember Greek heroism and Greek sacrifice for the
sake of freedom . . . [and] as the 21st Century dawns, Greece
and America once again stand united; this time
[[Page H2451]]
in the fight against terrorism. The United States deeply
appreciates the role Greece is playing in the war against
terror. . . . America and Greece are strong allies, and we're
strategic partners.'';
Whereas President Bush stated that Greece's successful
``law enforcement operations against a terrorist organization
[November 17] responsible for three decades of terrorist
attacks underscore the important contributions Greece is
making to the global war on terrorism'';
Whereas Greece is a strategic partner and ally of the
United States in bringing political stability and economic
development to the volatile Balkan region, having invested
over $10 billion in the region;
Whereas Greece was extraordinarily responsive to requests
by the United States during the war in Iraq, as Greece
immediately granted unlimited access to its airspace and the
base in Souda Bay, and many ships of the United States that
delivered troops, cargo, and supplies to Iraq were refueled
in Greece;
Whereas in August 2004, the Olympic games came home to
Athens, Greece, the land of their ancient birthplace 2,500
years ago and the city of their modern revival in 1896;
Whereas Greece received world-wide praise for its
extraordinary handling during the 2004 Olympics of over
14,000 athletes from 202 countries and over 2 million
spectators and journalists, which it did so efficiently,
securely, and with its famous Greek hospitality;
Whereas the unprecedented security effort in Greece for the
first summer Olympics after the attacks on the United States
on September 11, 2001, included a record-setting expenditure
of over $1,390,000,000 and assignment of over 70,000 security
personnel, as well as the utilization of an eight-country
Olympic Security Advisory Group that included the United
States;
Whereas Greece, located in a region where Christianity
meets Islam and Judaism, maintains excellent relations with
Muslim nations and Israel;
Whereas the Government of Greece has had extraordinary
success in recent years in furthering cross-cultural
understanding and reducing tensions between Greece and
Turkey;
Whereas Greece and the United States are at the forefront
of the effort for freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and
human rights;
Whereas those and other ideals have forged a close bond
between Greece and the United States and their peoples;
Whereas March 25, 2007, the National Day of Celebration of
Greek and American Democracy, marks the 186th anniversary of
the beginning of the revolution that freed the Greek people
from the Ottoman Empire and celebrates the aspirations for
democracy that the peoples of Greece and the United States
share; and
Whereas it is proper and desirable for the United States to
celebrate this anniversary with the Greek people and to
reaffirm the democratic principles from which these two great
nations were born: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the
people of Greece as they celebrate the 186th anniversary of
the independence of Greece;
(2) expresses support for the principles of democratic
governance to which the people of Greece are committed; and
(3) notes the important role that Greece has played in the
wider European region and in the community of nations since
gaining its independence 186 years ago.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Wexler) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay tribute on
Greek Independence Day to one of America's most important European
allies, Greece, and one that holds immeasurable importance to millions
of Americans.
I would also like to thank my good friend from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen), who has been a leading supporter of U.S.-Greek relations in
Congress.
Western civilization as we know it today is undeniably connected to
Greece. For every American, Greece is known as the cradle of democracy.
As a nation that still seeks to perfect its democracy in civic society,
America looks to Greece and its universally known philosophers and
leaders for political inspiration and wisdom. In fact, the very word
``democracy'' is a Greek word. The history of Greek independence is
inspiring, especially given America's own history and drive for
independence from tyranny and oppression. Greeks have been willing to
fight for independence, sacrifice for the sake of freedom, and have
stirred others to do the same.
As a Member of Congress with a large Greek-American community, I am
especially pleased that we are passing this resolution today, which
also highlights the extraordinary contributions of a community that has
contributed greatly to the shared prosperity of our Nation. Today, the
Greek-American community remains the bedrock in the unbreakable bond
between the United States and our ally, Greece. As ambassadors of
goodwill between the United States and Greece, Greek Americans have for
decades shaped this long-standing friendship, creating a partnership
based on freedom, democracy and peace.
Today, some 5 million Americans claim Greek ancestry, with
understandable pride. Greece is one of less than a handful of nations
that have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in every
major war of the 20th century. Our close relations became even closer
after World War II. The Truman Doctrine helped save Greece from
communism, indeed helped save it for the Western world, and the
Marshall Plan helped pave the way for economic success.
In 1952, Greece joined NATO, formalizing the deep mutual commitment
of Greece and the rest of the western world to protecting freedom. Now,
as an integral member of the EU for two decades, Greece has become
increasingly prosperous, a democratic role model for the nations of the
world.
Greece remains a critical strategic partner in today's post-Cold War
world. We cooperate closely in promoting peace and stability in the
Balkans. Athens has supported efforts to settle the Cyprus problem and
to end the divide on the island. And I am especially supportive of
Greece's critical efforts in recent years to resolve historic
differences with its neighbor, Turkey, including supporting that
country's membership in the EU.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Greek people on the 186th anniversary
of their independence and strongly support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I want to encourage all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 228,
recognizing the 186th anniversary of the independence of Greece,
celebrating Greek and American democracy and recognizing Greece as a
very staunch ally and friend of our United States.
Greece was the birthplace of the principles of democracy on which our
Nation was founded. Our Founders studied Greek culture and Greek
politics, and their influence is still with us today. Over the
centuries, Greece has demonstrated its commitment to what it and our
Nation prize among our highest ideals, and that word is ``liberty,''
``eleftheria'' to the Greek people.
Indeed, many of our Nation's respective ideas are shared and,
therefore, our relationship holds a special significance. Both the
United States and Greece share much in common. Both are outward-looking
trading nations that have enriched the world through commercial and
cultural exchanges.
Over the decades the U.S.-Greek relationship has developed quite
dynamically, bolstered by common ideas and cooperation. Moreover, the
Greek people have strived to protect freedom and democracy, allying
itself with the United States in every major conflict of the 20th
century, notably sacrificing for and contributing to the victory of the
Allied forces over the Axis powers during World War II.
Today, our common destinies are threatened by other enemies who scorn
our commitment to freedom, eleftheria, and aggression from Islamic
extremism looms large and threatens western civilization that was born
in that country of Greece. We are grateful that the Greek people have
stood against this aggression throughout the years.
Indeed, Greece should be praised for its contributions in the global
war on terror. In the war in Iraq, Greece has been responsive to U.S.
requests for access to its air space and in fueling U.S. ships that
supply cargo ships headed to Iraq.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to further cooperation between our two
nations and expanding the friendship that exists between Greek and
American people. I therefore ask my colleagues to join me in
congratulating the nation of Greece on the 186th anniversary of its
independence and to express their
[[Page H2452]]
acknowledgment of the great friendship that exists between our two
countries.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to give Ms. Jackson-Lee of
Texas, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, 5\1/2\ minutes.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairman and I
thank my colleagues, my fellow member of the Foreign Affairs Committee,
the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Lantos, and the
ranking member, Ms. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Certainly, I have indicated
already to Chairman Wexler thanks for his continued leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I rise, of course, to acknowledge and certainly support
recognizing the 186th anniversary of the independence of Greece and
celebrating Greek and American democracy. Greece has been a long-term
model, if you will, for the principles of democracy. Any of us who have
had the honor of learning the Greek philosophers throughout our
academic training know that the principles they have enunciated have
been strong and lasting.
With that in mind as I celebrate the 186th anniversary, I commend my
friends in Greece for their continued deliberations dealing with the
issue of divide between the Turks and Greece, and I look forward to an
opportunity that resolutions will come about that would solve some of
those problems.
Might I, Mr. Wexler, also indicate my support for H. Res. 64, which
speaks to the freedom of press and particularly expresses the sense of
the House of Representatives that the government of Bangladesh should
immediately drop all charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin
Shoaib Choudhury. I say that in recognition of the principles of
freedom of press. Whenever we have had the opportunity to interact in
bilaterals through Members of Congress or parliamentarians, one of the
key issues that are discussed is the right of the voice of the
opposition, or the voice of difference to be expressed. I hope that
this particular legislation will pass with a firm statement by this
Congress that we are, if you will, asking for his release.
Might I also support H. Res. 107. I am an original cosponsor of this
legislation calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the
Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah. Let me say this,
I have met with one of the family members of one of the captive
soldiers.
I think what is important in this statement, because we know that
King Abdullah just a few days ago came to this Congress and said, we
can make a difference in the Palestinian-Israeli issue. This happens to
be soldiers that are in Lebanon, and, frankly, I think the point should
be made that Israel has, in fact, done what they said they would do in
pulling back.
Whenever you get agreements that are kept, promises that are kept,
then it seems that in the course of international collegiality or
international decorum or international protocol that you have the
opportunity to receive your soldiers back home, your loved ones back
home. These young men, who are still being held, Gilad Shalit, Eldad
Regev and Ehud Goldwasser, remain in captivity, even though the United
Nations has, through passing United Nations Security Council Resolution
1701, imposed a ceasefire on the Lebanon-Israel border. The resolution
called for, and I quote, the unconditional release of the abducted
Israeli soldiers. Even in the United Nations, which has a place for
disparate voices and has a place for disagreement, we find that there
is a call for their release.
So I would hope that this particular legislation is not taken as a
negative, but it is taken in compliance with the United Nations'
interests in countries, recognizing when agreements are made that we
can move forward on the agreement, and the captivity of soldiers of
another sovereign nation certainly argues against having a world forum
that really works.
The United Nations has managed with all its difficulties to be a
world forum. It has made a statement that they should be released. I
would hope there would be enough resolve in Hezbollah and certainly in
Hamas and others and in Lebanon, that whatever your viewpoint, you
certainly should have the view to provide comfort to these families and
have their loved ones returned.
So I ask again for support of the underlying bill; that is, H. Res.
228, and I add my support for H. Res. 64; and as a cosponsor of H. Res.
107, I add my support for that.
I conclude by simply saying that we have an opportunity to accept the
challenge of King Abdullah in the way that we must know how to do it,
and that is engagement and resolve for the best of all people in the
Mideast. I hope that we will do so, and I would say to my friends in
Lebanon, a good step and a good start would be the release,
unconditional release of these soldiers.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 107, which
calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers
held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah and expresses the Congress's
support for a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Mr. Speaker, while the fighting between Israel and Hamas and
Hezbollah has subsided, one of the initial causes for the war, has not
yet been addressed. Three young men, Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev, and
Ehud Goldwasser, remain in captivity.
The fighting last summer ended when the United Nations Security
Council passed Resolution 1701, which imposed a ceasefire on the
Israel-Lebanon border. That resolution unequivocally called for ``the
unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers.''
Therefore, their ongoing captivity is ignoring the will of the
international community. Indeed, Hamas and Hezbollah have not even
allowed access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel
and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 107 expresses this Congress's vision for ``a
resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of
a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside of
the State of Israel.'' But this vision cannot be achieved by continuing
to hold these soldiers by Hamas and Hezbollah.
The United States cannot turn a blind eye when citizens of a fellow
democracy fall prey to terrorists acts. Israeli soldiers must be
released without delay and without preconditions, as the Security
Council demands. That is also our demand. We will remain committed to
the soldiers' freedom--for the sake of peace and to move toward a just
resolution to these conflicts in the Mid East.
Mr. Speaker, I support the resolution sponsored by Mr. Ackerman, the
chairman of the Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee. I urge all my
colleagues to do so as well.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida
(Mr. Bilirakis).
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep pride and
respect to the Hellenic Republic as it prepares to celebrate the
anniversary of Greek Independence Day, which took place on March 25,
1821.
I am almost certain that Thomas Jefferson cast an eye across the
Atlantic towards Greece when he uttered these words in 1821, ``The
flames kindled on the 4th of July, 1776, have not spread over much of
the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism . . .
On the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work
them.''
It is God's handiwork that I am blessed to straddle two cultures that
have been beacons of liberty for all of civilization. The place of my
birth, the land of the free and the home of the brave, the United
States of America, and the land of my ancestors, the birthplace of
democracy, the Hellenic Republic, Greece. I honor those brave and
resilient Greeks who refused to be assimilated or converted into the
Ottoman Empire. They endured centuries of torture and persecution to
hang on to their precious heritage and faith. Bishop Germanos of Patras
raised the emblem of freedom for Hellenes, the flag bearing a white
cross and nine blue and white stripes representing the nine letters,
eleftheria, freedom.
This was an act of defiance against the Ottoman Empire, marking the
beginning of Greece's war of independence on March 25, 1821.
{time} 1315
Cries of Zito I Ellas, long live Greece; Eleftheria I Thanatos, live
free or die, could be heard from the Ionian to the Aegean, from the
Peloponeseus to the Dodocanese where my grandparents are from.
It took 8 hard-fought years, until 1829, for the Sultan Mahmud to
capitulate and surrender. Greek independence
[[Page H2453]]
was guaranteed with the Treaty of Adrianople.
Greeks were the first Ottoman subjects to secure recognition as an
independent and sovereign nation. It was a fierce fight that drew
support from Philhellenes the world over. None other than the United
States, England, Lord Byron was wonderful in this cause.
Undoubtedly, these Philhellenes were indebted to Greece, the world's
first advanced civilization, for providing a cultural heritage that has
influenced the world with firsts in philosophy, politics, mathematics,
science, art and sport with the Olympics, just to name a few.
I honor my ancestors for their deep abiding conviction in all that is
good and true about mankind. I celebrate their bravery and commitment
to freedom and justice. I praise their perseverance and patience in the
face of unspeakable hardships. I commend their sacrifices to posterity
so that, should there ever be another who seeks to oppress freedom-
loving people, we will be able to look upon history and summon up the
same courage that those unyielding Hellenes exhibited nearly two
centuries ago.
Just as our great Founding Fathers studied the model of democracy the
ancient Greeks put forth, it is likely our revolution for independence
in the late 18th century served as a blueprint for the early 19th-
century Greeks to try their hand at freedom and sovereignty. It is a
beautiful, symbolic symbiotic relationship that the United States and
Greece have shared since, and it continues to enjoy.
As George Washington proclaimed at the onset of the American
Revolution: ``Our cause is noble. It is the cause of mankind.'' So it
was in 1776 America and in 1821 Greece, and so it will always remain.
Zito I Ellas, and God bless America.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlelady from New
York (Mrs. Maloney), who also is the cochair of the Hellenic Caucus.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of
this legislation, H. Res. 228, and cochair and cofounder of the
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I rise today to celebrate the
186th anniversary of Greece's 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 up against the Ottoman Empire.
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' 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 of Greece.
As we celebrate Greek Independence Day, we should reflect upon the
strong ties between Greece and the United States and the strong
commitment to democracy shared by our two countries.
The Greeks of 1821 fought for independence from the Ottoman Empire
while drawing inspiration from the ideals and institutions of the
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 speeches and made resolutions and other statements 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 of
Greece and Cyprus. Western Queens, which I have the honor of
representing, is often called Little Athens because of the large
Hellenic population in its neighborhoods.
New Yorkers celebrate Greek Independence Day with a parade on Fifth
Avenue, along with many cultural events, private meetings and
celebrations. 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, many
contributions to our Nation's history and culture.
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 agreed upon name for the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia.
Additionally, I strongly support the inclusion of Greece in the Visa
Waiver Program. Last month, along with Representatives Space and
Bilirakis and 18 of our House colleagues, we sent letters to Secretary
Rice and Secretary Chertoff urging them to extend the Visa Waiver
Program to Greece. Greece is the only member of the original 15
European Union nations not to belong to the Visa Waiver Program.
Greece has met the criteria for the program, including a less than 3
percent refusal rate of U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants and biometric
passports. I hope that they will soon be included in the program, and I
ask my colleagues and the Nation to join me in celebrating Greek's
independence today.
Additionally, it is my sincere pleasure to pay tribute to the New
York Hellenic American community for its many, many contributions to
our city and Nation.
Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs, I am proud to congratulate
the nation of Greece on the 186th anniversy of independence. Though it
began the cradle of Democracy and formed the foundation of Western
thought, Greece was ruled over by various empires until 1821 when the
people of Greece threw off Ottoman oppression and set about founding a
government that would be ruled by Greeks and for Greeks.
The ancient Greek city-states provided young American with a strong
foundation of government and philosophy to build our democracies. In
both our nations, the Golden Age of Greece continues to be a guiding
light.
During the last 50 years, the United States has been proud to stand
with the Greek people as they confronted communist oppression,
solidified their democracy, and became part of the vibrant European
economy.
Independence, once achieved, is not guaranteed for all time. We know
that at all times there must be those who are willing to sacrifice to
retain liberty. Both of our nations have faced struggles for survival
since the initial moment of independence. We must continue to support
each other in the causes of freedom and democracy.
Again, I congratulate the Greek people on this historic day. It is a
day to remember the sacrifices of the past, to take pride in your
nation, and to look forward to a bright future.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Wexler, chairman of
the Subcommittee on Europe, and also Ranking Member Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen, for their work on this legislation.
We have no further speakers, so I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I too want to thank Mr. Poe. And we also do
not have any more speakers, so we will yield back.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 228.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will
be postponed.
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