[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 11, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H1463-H1467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE 187TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF GREECE AND
CELEBRATING GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1024) recognizing the 187th anniversary of the
independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy, as
amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1024
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 onto 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 a
few countries 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 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.'';
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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 $20 billion in the countries of the region, thereby
creating over 200,000 new jobs, and having contributed over
$750 million in development aid for 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 Greece is a top contributor to the defense efforts
of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), spending an
estimated 3 percent of its gross domestic product on defense,
and is also an active participant in peacekeeping and peace-
building operations conducted by international organizations,
including the United Nations, NATO, the European Union (EU),
and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE);
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 worldwide 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 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, as seen most recently with the January 2008 visit to
Turkey by Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, the
first official visit by a Greek Prime Minister in 49 years;
Whereas Greece and the United States are at the forefront
of the effort for freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and
human rights;
Whereas those and similar ideals have forged a close bond
between Greece and the United States and their peoples;
Whereas March 25, 2008, Greek Independence Day, marks the
187th anniversary of the beginning of the revolution that
freed the Greek people from the Ottoman Empire; 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 187th 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 187 years ago.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Crowley) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
General Leave
Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
{time} 1430
Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this
resolution, and yield myself such time as may consume.
Madam Speaker, I am delighted to support this resolution marking the
187th anniversary of Greek independence, and I would like to thank my
good friend and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee,
Representative Ros-Lehtinen, for her leadership in ensuring that the
House mark this important date. The world owes the Greeks a debt of
gratitude for having developed the concept of democracy, which has
enabled so much of the world to live in peaceful prosperity.
The story of Greek independence remains a remarkable tale about the
revival of an ancient and great people through deep commitment,
personal sacrifice, and an abiding love of freedom. Indeed, Western
Civilization is deeply indebted to the Greek nation for its immense
contributions in the fields of science, medicine, philosophy and art,
just to name a few.
In 2004, the world celebrated this rich history and heritage as the
Summer Olympics came home to Greece. This beautiful Mediterranean
country showcased the best of its culture and hospitality.
In modern times, Greece has remained one of the United States' most
important and enduring allies. Greece is one of the relatively few
nations that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in every
major war of the 20th century. The close links between our countries
increased after World War II as the Truman Doctrine helped save Greece
from communism, while the Marshall Plan aided its economic
regeneration.
When Greece joined NATO in 1952, it formalized the deep mutual
commitment that it shared with the Western world to safeguard freedom.
After becoming a member of the European Union in 1981, Greece further
deepened its relations with its European neighbors. It also underwent a
notable economic transformation with the exchange of the drachma for
the euro in 2002, highlighting its economic prosperity.
Greece has remained a strategic partner in the post-Cold War world,
notably helping to promote peace and stability in the Balkans. The
January 2008 visit by Greece Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to
Turkey, the first such official visit in 49 years, was a welcome
development in these countries' efforts to resolve their differences.
Since the tragic attacks on the United States on 9/11, Greece has
remained a steadfast ally in the fight against violent extremism.
Plagued for many years by domestic acts of terror, Greece knows only
too well the financial, mental, and physical toll that terrorism can
wreak on a nation.
In closing, it is also important to highlight the rich contributions
that Greek immigrants and their descendants have made to the United
States; I know this firsthand, representing a great number in the
County of Queens, New York. For over a century, they have traveled
across the ocean, bringing their success to our shores, and in doing so
serving as a bridge between our two nations. Today, some 5 million
Americans claim Greek ancestry. We are grateful for the wisdom, energy,
and talent they continue to bestow upon our great Nation.
Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Greek people on the 187th
anniversary of their independence from Ottoman rule. I ask my
colleagues to join me in congratulating them on their tremendous
contributions to world civilization and in celebrating the enduring
Greek-American friendship.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MANZULLO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I rise in support of House Resolution 1024. The Republic of Greece is
an important friend and ally of the United States. The links between
Greece and the United States involve political philosophy, values, a
concrete alliance, and important actions. Greece is the birthplace of
Western Civilization and modern democracy, and it is from Greece that
our Founding Fathers drew so many important principles of government,
law, and freedom. Today, our two nations continue to share the values
that we hold dear: liberty, freedom, and democracy.
Greece and the United States have also stood together resolutely
throughout difficult times during the last century, particularly during
the Second World War. Greece, in fact, is one of the few nations that
has supported America in every major conflict over the past century.
After the end of World War II, Greece joined in a formal alliance
with the United States, through NATO, and went on to broaden its
commitment to
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democracy, freedom, and human rights through its notable contributions
to international peacekeeping and stability missions.
Today, as America faces a complex array of threats posed by extremism
around the world, Greece indeed remains a valuable strategic partner.
Most notably, Greece provided access to its airspace for American
military aircraft en route to Iraq and allowed our U.S. Navy ships to
refuel in its ports.
Through its substantial economic investment and aid to the Balkans,
Greece has also sought to play an important role as an agent of
stability in that important region, supplementing the efforts by the
United States and the European Union to end the conflicts in that
region. Recent efforts on the part of the Government of Greece to deal
constructively with its neighbor Turkey on outstanding issues where
they have differences show hope for ensuring future stability
throughout the Aegean Sea region, an outcome the United States seeks as
well.
Madam Speaker, this resolution notes that this year marks the 187th
anniversary of the beginning of the revolution that led to the
independence of Greece. There are approximately 1.3 million Americans
of Greek descent living in the United States. A large number of Greek
Americans live in northern Illinois, particularly the Chicago area.
Greek Americans contribute significantly as community leaders,
entrepreneurs, and mentors for young children. The Greek Orthodox
Church in the United States and important Greek community organizations
are positive forces and should be recognized also.
So I welcome the opportunity afforded by our consideration of this
resolution to point out the friendship and shared interests of our two
countries. I congratulate the country and people of Greece for the
progress they have made over the past 187 years, and I urge the
adoption of this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the
gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley) control the remaining portion of
my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes.
I thank the gentleman for yielding and for giving me the opportunity
to control the time on this issue. I rise today not only as a friend of
Greece, but also as a daughter of Greece. My mother's family immigrated
from Salonika, Greece, and I am very proud of my Greek-Jewish heritage.
Greece has been a strong ally of the United States, standing by us in
our struggles against Nazism, and now in the struggle against Islamic
extremism. Greece paid an extraordinarily high price for their
opposition to the Nazis, and we are forever grateful to them.
Before World War II, half of the population of Salonika, Greece,
around 80,000 people, were Jewish. After the Nazis finished with
Greece, there were only 1,000 Jews left in Salonika. The reason 1,000
Jews survived is because their Greek neighbors protected them, saved
them, hid them; and for that I am grateful as well.
Greece continues to be a top contributor to NATO and a leader in the
Balkan region. The resolution before the House today extends our best
wishes and congratulations to the people of Greece, whom we look to as
our forebearers in democracy. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution,
but I hope it is our first word on our friendship with Greece, and
certainly not our last.
I urge this House and this administration to strengthen our
relationship with Greece by including them in the Visa Waiver Program.
By designating Greece as such, we will send not only a message of
friendship, but a message of thanks to the Greek community, which is so
deserving of our friendship and our gratitude. They have met the
criteria to become a visa waiver country and only await our approval on
their application.
On this anniversary, let us take concrete action to strengthen our
bond with them and send a message of thanks to our friends in Greece.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MANZULLO. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and thank you,
Representative Berkley, for those kind words on my grandparents'
country. I am so proud of my Greek heritage.
Madam Speaker, I rise today with great pride and in strong support of
House Resolution 1024, recognizing the 187th anniversary of Greek
independence and celebrating Greek and American democracy.
Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and
established this great Republic we call the land of the free and the
home of the brave, Greek freedom fighters began an arduous struggle to
win independence for Greece and its people 187 years ago. When the
Greeks began this glorious revolution after four centuries of Ottoman
oppression, they faced what appeared to be insurmountable odds. It was
David versus Goliath.
On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of
freedom and was the first to declare Greece free. This day of rebellion
was not chosen by chance. This holy day was dedicated to the Mother of
God. To the Greeks of 1821, Theotokos was their champion, their savior,
their protector. The revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece
and emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. It was
proved to the world that a united people through sheer will and
perseverance can prevail against tyranny.
The lessons the Greeks taught us then continue to provide strength to
victims of persecution around the world today. By honoring the Greek
struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideas that make
our Nation great. We also remember why freedom is so important.
In the history of the Greek war for independence, there were many
acts of heroism. From Theodoros Kolokotronis, the leader of the
Klephts, who refused to submit to Ottoman domination, to the fiercely
patriotic women of Suli, who, left alone, learned that Turkish troops
were fast approaching their village, they began to dance the Syrtos, a
patriotic Greek dance. One by one, they committed suicide by throwing
themselves and their children off a mountain top. They chose to die
rather than surrender and face slavery.
There was also Athanasios Diakos, a legendary hero, a priest, a
patriot, and a soldier. In full knowledge of their fatal fate, he led
500 of his men in a notable stand against 8,000 Ottoman soldiers.
Diakos' men were wiped out and he fell into the enemy's hands, where he
was tortured before his death. He is the image of a Greek that gave all
for love of faith and homeland. Long live his memory.
Although many Greeks died, they were undeterred from their ultimate
goal. ``Eleftheria I Thanatos,'' liberty or death, became their battle
cry.
These legends underscore Greece's absolute commitment to
independence. As we all know, the price of liberty can be very high,
hundreds of thousands of lives. Socrates, Plato, Pericles and many
other great minds throughout history warned that we maintain democracy
only at a great cost.
Our Greek brothers earned their liberty with blood, as did our
American forefathers. The freedom we enjoy today is due to the
sacrifices made by men and women in the past. I take great pride in
both, as I said, my Greek and American heritage. Each time I perform my
constitutional duties, I am doing so in the legacy of the ancient
Greeks and our American forefathers.
As Thomas Jefferson once said, ``To the ancient Greeks we are all
indebted for the light which led ourselves, American colonists, out of
gothic darkness.''
We celebrate Greek independence to reaffirm the common democratic
heritage we share. And as Americans, we must continue to pursue this
spirit of freedom and liberty that characterizes both of these great
nations.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to yield 3
minutes to my friend and neighbor, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs.
Maloney), the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I thank my colleague and friend for
yielding and for her leadership.
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As an original cosponsor of this legislation and co-Chair and founder
of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic issues, I rise to celebrate the
187th 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 win their independence. Following
400 years of Ottoman rule, in March 1821 Bishop Germanos raised the
traditional Greek flag at the monastery of Agia Lavras, inciting his
countrymen to rise up against the Ottoman army. Bishop Germanos'
message to his people was clear: A new spirit was about to born in
Greece. The following year, the Treaty of Constantinople established
full independence of Greece.
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 that neighborhood.
{time} 1445
New Yorkers celebrate Greek Independence Day with a parade down Fifth
Avenue, along with many cultural events.
These events, hosted by the Federation of Hellenic Societies and
other Hellenic and philhellenic organizations and friends, remind us of
the strong Hellenic American community's many strong contributions to
our Nation's history and culture. Relations between the U.S. 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.
We have over 110 cosponsors of my legislation, and with the upcoming
NATO summit, the time is more important than ever to find a solution to
the name dispute.
Additionally, I strongly support the inclusion of Greece in the Visa
Waiver Program, and I have legislation before this body on this issue.
Greece is the only member of the original 15 European nations not to
belong to the Visa Waiver Program, and I was pleased that the
administration formally nominated Greece for the Visa Waiver Program
this September, and we will continue to monitor Greece's progress.
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, many contributions to our
city and our Nation. ``Zeto E Eleftheria,'' long live freedom.
May we join in celebrating Greece's independence and its many
contributions to our democracy through its form of government and its
history.
Mr. MANZULLO. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Sires).
Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of House
Resolution 1024, honoring the 187th anniversary of the independence of
Greece. March 25 marks the day the Greek people were freed from the
Ottoman Empire and asserted their rights to govern themselves.
The citizens of Greece and the United States share a long history of
Democratic ideals. The philosophical and political ideas of the ancient
Greeks were an inspiration to the Founders of our democracy. Showing
our support for Greek independence reminds us how important it is to
continue defending freedom around the world. We must also remember
those individuals that have fought on behalf of the freedom we share.
Greece is a friend and ally, and when it comes to helping promote
freedom and stability in their region and the global community, I am
pleased to honor Greece today on its 187th anniversary, and I urge all
my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. MANZULLO. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from
Massachusetts (Ms. Tsongas).
Ms. TSONGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this
resolution extending warm congratulations and best wishes to the people
of Greece as they celebrate the 187th anniversary of their
independence. In January, I joined a congressional delegation trip to
Greece, Turkey, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
I had not been in Greece in over 25 years, and it was wonderful to
see how far this most beautiful country has come in the last quarter
century, as hosting the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, made a
tremendous investment in their infrastructure and cultivated new
developments which have greatly enhanced their prosperity.
My husband Paul's family emigrated from Greece to Lowell,
Massachusetts, when Paul's father was 3 years old. His father is
emblematic of a vibrant Greek American community in Massachusetts and
across the country whose contributions have helped our Nation survive
and thrive.
The United States and Greece have longstanding ties based on our
common heritage, shared values and a mutual commitment to freedom and
democracy.
This measure rightly expresses the House of Representatives' support
for the important role that Greece has played in the wider region and
in the community of nations since gaining its independence 187 years
ago.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. MANZULLO. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the outstanding
freshman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).
Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to rise today in
recognition of the 187th anniversary of Greek independence. The Greek
people have proven to be the greatest of allies to the United States
over many decades.
Today we have new opportunities to demonstrate our support of Greece
on key issues. Most immediate is the dispute over the name of the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. I urge the administration to
help us celebrate Greek Independence Day by supporting Greece's
position on this important issue. Greece's position makes sense for
NATO, it makes sense for the United States, and it makes sense for
peaceful international relations.
Mr. WEXLER. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1024,
a resolution expressing support for the 187th anniversary of Greek
independence.
Madam Speaker, it was one year to the day that I joined my colleagues
on the House Floor in paying tribute to one of America's most important
allies, Greece. It was my honor at that time as it is today to pay
tribute once again to Greek Independence Day and to offer my unwavering
support for US-Greece bilateral relations.
As someone who cares deeply about the issues of importance to the
Greek American community, I believe this is an especially important
day--one that is a reminder of America's long and historic partnership
with Greece but also a day to celebrate the countless contributions of
the Greek American community to this Nation.
From the Balkans to Afghanistan to the war on terrorism, Greece has
been a staunch ally of the United States and a leading advocate for
democracy and the rule of law globally. To that end, it is critical
over the coming weeks that the United States works closely with our
NATO ally Greece and with officials in Skopje to find a mutually-
acceptable official name for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
I also strongly encourage the Bush administration to work with our
partners in Athens to resolve the longstanding division on Cyprus. It
is in the interests of the United States, European Union, Greece,
Turkey as well as Greek and Turkish Cypriots that we build on the
recent election of President Christofias who boldly pledged to ``extend
a hand of friendship and cooperation to the Turkish Cypriots and their
political leadership,'' and to ``invite them to work together towards
our common goal for the good of Cyprus and its people.''
Madam Speaker, Greece is known as the cradle of democracy. As
Americans watch one of the most exciting elections in modern history,
it is a reminder of what Greece gave to America and those nations
seeking to perfect their democracy and civic society. These ideals
crafted by Greek philosophers and put into practice both in Washington,
Athens and globally have changed all of humankind.
As a member of Congress who proudly represents a large Greek American
community, I am deeply pleased that we have this opportunity on the
House Floor to discuss the contributions of millions of Greek Americans
and to pass a resolution that rightfully recognizes five million
extraordinary citizens.
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Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Greek people on the 187th
anniversary of their independence and strongly support this resolution.
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res.
1024, which celebrates the 187th anniversary of the independence of
Greece, one of our country's closest and oldest allies. A longstanding
member of NATO, Greece has played a pivotal role in the stability and
development of the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean region. It has
invested over $20 billion in the countries of the region, contributing
to the increasing economic vitality of the area. Greece has also
contributed to peacekeeping operations that have been sponsored by the
United Nations, the European Union, and the Organization on Security
and Cooperation in Europe. In addition, it has closely collaborated
with the United States in opposing and fighting terrorists and
terrorist networks.
Ancient Greece was the birthplace of democracy, and our country's
Founding Fathers took much of their inspiration from reading the
philosophers of that time and place as they created a fledgling new
democracy here in the late 18th century. A century later, many Greek
immigrants began to arrive at our shores, bringing with them a
steadfast determination to succeed in realizing the American Dream. The
Greek-American community, strengthened by new waves of immigration, has
contributed to our society in numerous ways; many within the community
have become leaders in the field of commerce, academia, the arts, and
politics. They have also been instrumental in fostering close ties
between the United States and Greece. As we celebrate the independence
of Greece today, we also celebrate the accomplishments of the vibrant
Greek-American community.
Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to show my
support for H. Res. 1024.
This resolution recognizes the 187th anniversary of the independence
of Greece and celebrates Greek and American democracy.
On March 25, 1821, Greece declared its independence from the Ottoman
Empire, and the United States and Greece have had a longstanding
relationship ever since.
The Greek community is particularly active in our own country.
Greece shares our democratic values and principles and has been an
important ally to the United States, particularly since World War I.
As the most senior EU and NATO country in their region, they serve as
a great role model for democracy, stability, and security for other
countries in their region.
I look forward to continued bilateral relations and friendship with
Greece as we work together to address the issues in Southeast Europe.
Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, as a member of the
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs, I am proud to congratulate
the nation of Greece on the celebration of the 187th anniversary of
independence. Ancient Greece is commonly thought of as the foundation
for Western civilization. The Roman Empire borrowed much from Greek
culture, including politics, philosophy, art, architecture, and
language; and subsequently spread these ideas throughout Europe.
However, the country often thought of as the ``Cradle of Democracy''
was conquered and governed by various empires for centuries. On March
25, 1821, the Greek people rose up against Ottoman oppression and
declared their independence. The Greeks later became the first ethnic
group under the Ottoman Empire to gain independent sovereign power.
America's early Founding Fathers adopted the concept of federalism,
an idea influenced by the ancient Greek ``city-state,'' a small region
ruled locally, but within the framework of a larger cultural area. The
United States has been proud to stand with the people of Greece as they
confronted oppression, solidified their democracy, and became part of
the vibrant European economy.
Both of our nations understand that even after independence is
gained, it must be carefully guarded. Brave citizens must be willing to
sacrifice their lives in order to protect liberty. Just as the U.S. and
Greece have struggled to survive after the initial moment of
independence was earned, we must continue to foster the causes of
freedom and democracy.
Again, I congratulate the Greek people on this historic celebration.
This anniversary is a time to remember the sacrifices of the past, to
take pride in your nation, and to look ahead to a future of promise.
Mr. MANZULLO. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1024, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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