[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4436]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   CELEBRATING GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2001

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute once again to 
the citizens of Greece on the occasion of their 180th anniversary of 
independence on Sunday, March 25th. Coincidentally, March 25th also 
marks the important religious holiday of the Feast of the Annunciation 
celebrated by most Greek-Americans. The history and culture of people 
of Greek heritage has impacted the lives of countless people throughout 
the world, and it is important that we recognize their contributions to 
mankind and the principles of democracy.
  After suffering more than 400 years of oppression under the Ottoman 
Empire, the people of Greece commenced a revolt on March 25th 1821. 
Many dedicated, patriotic Greeks lost their lives in the struggle which 
lasted over 7 years. Ultimately, the freedom the Greeks fought so hard 
for was courageously achieved, and the Hellenic Republic, commonly know 
as Greece, was born.
  Historically, Greece has been a dedicated United States ally. A 
fierce supporter during World War II, Greek soldiers fought beside 
Americans to preserve democracy and independence. For almost half a 
century, Greece has stood beside the United States as an active and 
important member to NATO. It has consistently proved to be a valuable 
player in preserving security in the Mediterranean.
  Greece has influenced our society in many ways. Greece is the 
birthplace of democracy, the foundation of American principles. No 
doubt, without Greece's influence, the United States would be a 
completely different country today.
  I am all too familiar with the positive contributions that are 
continually being made by Greek-Americans around the country. I am 
particularly proud of the fact that nearly 7,000 people in the Eighth 
Congressional District of Massachusetts are of Greek descent. 
Throughout the neighborhoods in Boston, Watertown, Cambridge, Chelsea, 
Belmont, and my hometown of Somerville, Greek-Americans are one of the 
most active groups in politics and community service. The Hellenic 
Cultural Center, the Greek Orthodox Church and other Greek-American 
organizations in the district are working to improve education, 
healthcare, and the environment.
  As the Greeks celebrate their day of independence, I hope all 
Americans will take a moment to reflect on the valuable contributions 
that both Greeks and Greek-Americans have bestowed on our own country. 
This is the least we can do for a people who gave us the democratic 
concept of civilization and have continued to impact our communities 
and daily lives.

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