[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 56 (Thursday, March 25, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S1846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF GREECE AND
CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY IN GREECE AND THE UNITED STATES
Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 17, S. Res. 34.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 34) recognizing the 200th anniversary
of the independence of Greece and celebrating democracy in
Greece and the United States.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I come to the floor in honor of an
historic occasion: the 200th anniversary of Greece's independence. I am
delighted to join the Greek-American community in New Jersey and across
the United States in celebrating this bicentennial. The bonds of
friendship between the United States and Greece are unbreakable, and as
I stand here, in the center of American democracy, I am reminded of the
strength of the shared democratic values on which our long partnership
is based.
Greece has made incredible contributions to the world, not least of
which is developing the ideals of democracy and rule of law that
inspired our Founding Fathers to establish our American system of
government. The very architecture of the Capitol building is a tribute
to the foundational role Greece played in the shaping of our democracy
and society. The democratic ideals developed in ancient Greece continue
to motivate Americans and people around the world today.
The people of the United States in turn worked to support the people
of Greece as they began their own struggle for independence 200 years
ago. American Philhellene Committees, comprised of ordinary Americans,
sprung up to support the Greek fight for freedom through fundraising
and humanitarian assistance.
Members of Congress, including Daniel Webster applauded ``the
struggle of an interesting and gallant people . . . contending against
fearful odds . . . for the common privilege of human nature.'' In a
letter to Greek scholar Adamantios Koraes, whose work formed the
intellectual basis for the Greek independence struggle, Thomas
Jefferson demonstrated his support by writing that ``no people
sympathise more feelingly than ours with the sufferings of your
countrymen, none offer more sincere and ardent prayers to heaven for
their success.''
Several American Philhellenes traveled to Greece to assist the Greek
people more directly. Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, who later became a
prominent voice in America's fight to end slavery, served with the
Greek army as a surgeon and a soldier. Jonathan Peckham Miller, another
future noted abolitionist, also served in the Greek army. George Jarvis
fought alongside the Greek people, as well as working to provide food,
medicine, and clothing to those who needed it with the support of the
American Philhellene Committees.
The bonds between the peoples and governments of Greece and the
United States have lasted throughout our countries' long history and
are stronger than ever today. Greece is an invaluable partner to the
United States as a NATO member, as an EU member, and in promoting peace
and stability in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Greece's unwavering commitment to democracy and the rule of law makes
it a truly reliable ally in the region and an increasingly critical one
as we face the challenges of the 21st century.
I am proud that Congress demonstrated its support for further
boosting U.S.-Greece cooperation and U.S. support for the Greece-
Cyprus-Israel trilateral, with the passage of the Eastern Mediterranean
Security and Energy Partnership Act a little over a year ago. Ensuring
full implementation of this act is one of my priorities as chairman of
the Foreign Relations Committee.
The past few years have seen critical developments in U.S.-Greece
relations. I am grateful to the leadership of officials in both
countries whose work has helped U.S.-Greece ties reach their strongest
level ever, including Ambassador Geoff Pyatt, and I look forward to
building on their fantastic efforts in the months and years to come.
This 200th anniversary of Greece's independence truly is a time to
celebrate: a time to celebrate Greece's hard-won freedom; a time to
celebrate the bonds between our peoples, and especially the many
contributions Greek Americans have made to this country; and a time to
celebrate our countries' shared history and democratic values, which
will be the basis of our countries' cooperation for years to come.
This week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously
approved a resolution congratulating the people of Greece on the 200th
anniversary of their independence. I am grateful to Senator Barrasso
for joining me in leading this resolution and to my many Senate
colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have cosponsored this
resolution. With the passage of this resolution every year, Congress--
and, through us, the American people--send a clear message of support
for the Greek people and our countries' enduring partnership.
Greece's 200th independence anniversary serves not only as a reminder
of our countries' long friendship, but also as a time for us to look to
build on that history and strengthen our partnership for generations to
come. The Eastern Mediterranean region and the world face unprecedented
challenges, and growing the U.S.-Greece relationship is more critical
than ever for our shared security and stability. I look forward to
working with the people of Greece and the Greek-American community to
make the vision of an even stronger U.S.-Greece relationship a reality.
Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no
intervening action or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 34) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
(The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in the Record of
February 4, 2021, under ``Submitted Resolutions.''
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