[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                IN RECOGNITION OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Greek 
Independence Day as people of Greek heritage around the world gather to 
remember and celebrate those who partook in the heroic struggle for 
freedom.
  On March 25th people around the world will celebrate Greek 
Independence Day which commemorates the beginning of the Greek War of 
Independence. For four hundred years the Ottoman Empire had controlled 
Greece and attempted to suppress Greek language, culture, and religion. 
In 1821, behind the leadership of Bishop Germanos of Patras, the 
citizens of Greece began their long and difficult fight for liberty. 
After nine long years, the Greeks eventually won the freedom they had 
previously been denied. The Bishop also chose March 25th as the annual 
celebration of The Annunciation of the Mother Christ.
  This year marks the 12th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade for the 
Northeast Ohio Greek American Celebration. The parade will be led by 
Father Dean Dimon of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and other 
area clergy members. The celebration will include local Greek dance 
groups and a church service.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues please join me in recognizing the 
anniversary of Greek Independence, and wish the Greek Americans in 
Northeast Ohio a joyous celebration.

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