[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 51 (Friday, March 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E623-E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              186TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THELMA D. DRAKE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2007

  Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 186th 
Anniversary of Greek Independence Day.

[[Page E624]]

  After nearly four centuries of occupation by the Ottoman Empire, 
Greece declared her independence on March 25, 1821. This was not only a 
victory for the people of Greece but it was a victory for democracy.
  Ancient Greece was the cradle of democracy, free thought, and free 
will. Our Founding Fathers modeled our nation's first laws after the 
teachings of such influential Greek scholars as Plato, Socrates and 
Aristotle. Greece's liberation in 1821 ensured that these democratic 
ideals would survive for perpetuity.
  Today, we honor the ancient Greek influence on our country and we 
celebrate the mutual respect and beneficial relationship between our 
two nations. In every war in the 20th century, our countries fought 
side by side because we both understood the importance of spreading 
freedom throughout the world.
  Because of our common history, shared values and commitment to 
democratic principles, the friendship between the U.S. and Greece will 
continue to grow.
  I am proud to be able to honor Greece today as she celebrates 186 
years of renewed freedom and I look forward to working with this 
spirited nation in the years to come.

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