[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           GREEK INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2009

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
anniversary of Greek independence, which occurred on March 25, 1821. 
It's been one hundred and eighty-eight years since Greece obtained 
freedom from the oppressive Ottoman Empire.
  Like our own American Founding Fathers, the people of Greece fought 
valiantly to achieve independence from a sprawling empire that treated 
its citizens like subjects. The Greek revolutionaries also drew much of 
their authority from European philosophers, much like our forefathers 
who were motivated by classical and English values. A culture steeped 
in such a rich tradition, such as Greece, can be celebrated by all 
Americans. As the birthplace of democracy, Greece has informed numerous 
self-government efforts across the world.
  The celebration of Greek independence coincides with a Greek Orthodox 
holiday, the Annunciation of the Theotokos. Yet Greece's bloody 
struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire bears little 
resemblance to the peaceful appearance of the Archangel Gabriel. The 
Greeks endured atrocities such as the Chios Massacre, the massacre of 
Heraklion, and the Destruction of Psara; most of these conflicts were 
religiously motivated and they highlight the Greek dedication to 
freedom.
  After eight years of brutal fighting, the Greek people were finally 
able to achieve independence. The Treaty of Constantinople was signed 
in July 1832, giving Greece its independence from the Ottoman Empire.
  I am honored to cosponsor H.J. Res. 39, which recognizes the 188th 
anniversary of the independence of Greece. Furthermore, I am pleased 
that this bill is scheduled to be considered by the House of 
Representatives today.
  I would again like to congratulate Greece for celebrating such a 
momentous occasion. 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.

                          ____________________