[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                       HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 27, 2012

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
Greek Independence Day, the celebration of Greek freedom from the 
Ottoman Empire in May of 1832. March 25 is recognized as the official 
celebration day of this monumental occasion.
  From early Greek architecture, theatre and art, to the great 
philosophers, scientists, and mathematicians of their time, it is 
impossible to overlook the influence and the impact of Greek history, 
culture and tradition on the entire world.
  Here in the United States, we hold a special place of honor for Greek 
history. Serving as one of the oldest examples of a successful 
democratic government, our Nation's Founding Fathers looked to ancient 
Athenian democracy to lay the foundation for the Constitution of the 
United States, without which our great Nation would not be what it is 
today.
  With a strong Greek-American community in the Chicago area, the 
people of the 2nd Congressional district continue to celebrate the 
historic and cultural heritage of Greek Americans in Chicagoland and 
across the Nation, in addition to the new, unique, and ever changing 
ways they contribute to America.
  I am honored to recognize and congratulate Greece on 191 years of 
independence and thank the Greek people for the substantial impact they 
have made not only in America, but throughout the global community.
  Happy Independence Day.

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