[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING MARCH 25, 2011 AS THE 190TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREECE'S 
                              INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2011

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 190th 
anniversary of Greek independence. It is an honor to recognize a nation 
whose rich and vibrant history not only laid the foundation for 
democracy, but whose immigrants and descendants have enriched the 
cultural landscape of our nation.
  The warm friendship that America shares with Greece is rooted in the 
indelible mark of democracy and self-determination that Hellenic 
culture has left on our country. Just as our founding fathers were 
guided by these principles in their fight for independence from a 
foreign empire, so too were the founders of modern-day Greece, who 
declared their independence from the Ottoman Empire on March 25th, 190 
years ago. Since the birth of both nations, we have striven together to 
uphold the values of freedom, equality, and justice championed by the 
Ancient Greeks. We have joined together to promote peace and stability 
in the world, and Greece has allied with the U.S. in every major 
international conflict throughout the 20th century.
  From architecture to the democratic ideals we cherish, Greek culture 
has had a continued influence on the way Americans live their everyday 
lives. Illinois' Third District is fortunate to have one of the largest 
and most vibrant Greek-American communities in America. And just as 
Greek citizens were integral in transforming Ancient Greece into a 
beacon of democracy and culture, Greek-Americans in Oak Lawn, Palos 
Hills, and throughout Southwestern Chicagoland have proudly contributed 
their strong cultural heritage and values into the patchwork that makes 
the Third District so distinct.
  It is with great gratitude and pride that I rise to honor the 
independence of a nation that, from ancient times, has bestowed upon 
its citizens the fundamental rights of liberty and participation in the 
democratic process. Though rooted in ancient ideals, our strong 
allegiance with Greece continues to this day through a shared belief 
that freedom and democracy are the building blocks of peace. At home, I 
have witnessed firsthand the positive cultural heritage Greek-Americans 
bring to our local communities, and I trust that the bonds between our 
two nations will remain strong for years to come.

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