[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 53 (Monday, March 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          RECOGNIZING 188TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE

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                               speech of

                           HON. NIKI TSONGAS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2009

  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 273 and 
to honor the people of Greece on the 188th anniversary of their 
independence. This occasion is truly a celebration of the shared 
traditions and values of American and Greek democracy.
  Over a million Americans, including the family of my husband Paul, 
claim Greek heritage. This vibrant community contributes to the fabric 
of our nation and further reinforces the bond between the United States 
and Greece.
  I had the opportunity to visit Greece just last year as part of a 
Congressional Delegation to the region and saw firsthand the progress 
Greece has made in bringing prosperity to its people.
  Greece has also stepped forward on the international stage to assist 
others in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Through their active 
engagement in international peacekeeping efforts, the Greek people have 
shown their leadership on the world stage as well as their commitment 
to the democratic ideals we share.
  Our common values have built an unbreakable bond between our two 
nations. This bond stretches back to the founding of our country and 
the establishment of the modern Greek state.
  It is only fitting that the House of Representatives celebrate the 
188th anniversary of Greek independence; express support for the 
principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are 
committed; and honor the contributions of Greece to the global 
community throughout its 188 years as an independent nation.
  As an original cosponsor of this important resolution, I urge my 
colleagues to support H. Res. 273 to honor the 188th anniversary of 
Greek independence and to recognize the essential role that Greek 
culture has played in the development of democracy around the world.

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