[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3543]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2002

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, as we read daily about the difficult fight 
for freedom that our armed forces are undertaking around the world, let 
us consider the similarly difficult mission that the people of Greece 
fought 181 years ago.
  On March 25, 1821, Greek citizens, who were at that time living under 
the oppressive tyranny of the Ottoman Empire, united together to rise 
up and courageously fight an overwhelming enemy. Though they were many 
times outnumbered on the battlefield, they endured and ultimately 
defeated the Ottomans because of the values for which they fought, 
namely independence and freedom. More powerful than the weapons of the 
Ottomans, these values provided the inspiration to fight with 
conviction and purpose.
  Today, the United States of America and Greece unite together in a 
stand against the forces of terrorism. Though this time the numbers of 
those fighting are to our advantage, our enemy is extremely deceptive, 
unpredictable, and willing to attack innocent people.
  The noble War of Independence that the Greeks fought reminds us today 
that freedom and independence do not come without cost. We call upon 
these righteous values held by Greeks and Americans alike to endure 
these difficult times. Just as Greece defeated its enemy and gained 
sovereignty, we will defeat our enemy and preserve our freedom.
  I stand today to reaffirm our solidarity with Greece and to celebrate 
their Independence Day from which we can draw much inspiration during 
our own time of war.

                          ____________________