[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 7375-7376]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

  Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I rise today to support the designation of 
March 25, 2003, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
  As in previous years, I welcome the opportunity to honor the 
democratic values and lasting friendship that bind our nations. Our 
common struggle to protect freedom and democracy at home and around the 
world has forged a strong partnership between Greece and the United 
States, a partnership which is critical to meeting today's challenges.
  On the international front, Greece has played an important role in 
Operation Enduring Freedom and is now working with its European Union 
partners to support the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Greece continues 
to be a leader in bringing stability to the Balkans and in guiding the 
countries of this former region of conflict toward the community of 
democracies in Europe. Greece has been a steadfast ally in the fight 
against international terrorism, responding to every request for 
assistance in tracking and disrupting terrorist networks.
  Greece has been actively pursuing security on the home front as well. 
In the last year, we welcomed the arrest in Greece of 19 suspected 
members of ``November 17,'' a terrorist group responsible for 
approximately 120 criminal acts over a 27-year period, including the 
murder of Greeks, Americans, and citizens of other countries. For too 
many years, this case remained unsolved and the criminals unpunished. I 
am heartened by the efforts of the Government of Greece to move quickly 
to prosecute the suspects. The authorities in Greece must now 
accelerate efforts to bring charges against those suspects responsible 
for the 1983 killing of CAPT George Tsantes, USN, who is survived by 
his wife, Thalia Panos; his sons George K. Tsantes, III, and Nicolas P. 
Tsantes; and by his daughter Stephanie Tsantes, a distinguished citizen 
of the State of Delaware. Prosecution of this and other such cases 
will, I hope, bring a measure of closure and justice to all the 
families of the victims of ``November 17.''
  Greece is now preparing to host the Summer Olympics in 2004--a 
challenge under the best of circumstances, a Herculean task in today's 
security environment. Working with the international community, 
including the United States, Greece has made unprecedented efforts to 
provide for safe and secure Olympic Games in 2004. And it has done so 
with great attention to preserving its 3,000 year-old cultural 
patrimony, the glory of the Hellenic past and present.
  Greece has wisely chosen the theme ``Our Europe: Sharing the Future 
in a Community of Values'' to define its current term in the rotating 
Presidency of the European Union. In emphasizing the enlargement and 
transformation of the European Union, Greece will lead the efforts to 
create an even stronger European partner of the United States, a 
partner committed to protecting and promoting the fundamental values of 
freedom and democracy.
  In designating March 25, 2003, as Greek Independence Day: A National 
Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, we honor both a 
proud heritage and our commitment to continued partnership and 
cooperation.
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, today we honor the 182nd anniversary of 
the independence of Greece. Nearly two centuries ago a band of 
determined and courageous Greek patriots rose against tremendous odds 
to end nearly four centuries of oppressive foreign domination of their 
homeland. Their arduous struggle continued for 8 years, until 
independence was at last secured in 1829, and the first steps were 
taken toward the establishment of the modern Greek state.
  Our Founding Fathers drew heavily on the political experience and 
philosophy of the ancient Greeks, who first developed the principles of 
democratic government that vest the supreme governing authority in the 
people. Barely a generation later, Greek patriots turned to the 
American Revolution for inspiration, seeing in the success of the new 
American Republic the promise of their own future.
  For nearly 200 years, the American and Greek peoples have shared a 
profound commitment to democratic principles, and have worked to create 
societies built on these principles. The United States and Greece have 
stood together in every major struggle for freedom and democracy: 
through two devastating World Wars, and through the long decades of the 
cold war. Today they are joined in the fight against terrorism, notably 
as Greece moves in cooperation with U.S. and international law 
enforcement agencies to root out and dismantle the November 17 
terrorist organization and bring its members to justice.
  Greece today is a vigorous and prosperous democracy, a solid partner 
of the United States, a full member of NATO and of the European Union. 
Currently serving as President of the EU, Greece has focused its 
efforts on promoting peace and stability in the Balkans and the Eastern 
Mediterranean. For many nations in these regions seeking to develop 
viable economic systems and democratic institutions, Greece serves as a 
model. Greece has worked hard and with extraordinary success in recent 
years to expand cross-cultural understanding and reduce longstanding 
tensions in the Greek-Turkish relationship. Indeed, in recognition of 
its expanding role in the world community, Greece was chosen to host 
the next Olympic games, which are scheduled to take place in Athens in 
2004 and which will bring millions of visitors to Greece from all over 
the world.
  There is another essential aspect to the U.S.-Greece partnership: the 
distinctive contributions that Greek Americans have made to every 
aspect of our Nation's life, in the arts, in business, in science, in 
medicine, in scholarship. Greek immigrant families to this country 
brought with them the traditional values of commitment to family and 
church, hard work and education, and Greek Americans have carried these 
values forward; they have helped to strengthen and invigorate 
communities everywhere across the land.

[[Page 7376]]

  Greek Independence Day is a time of celebration, and also a moment 
for reflection. We see the many ways in which our country and Greece 
are drawn together, and we see how the past and the present are joined. 
Thinking back to the first steps toward Greek independence, on March 
25, 1821, we are mindful of the long and twisting road traveled; of the 
courage and sacrifice of those who have worked over the decades to make 
Greece the democratic and prosperous nation it is today; of the 
fundamental importance in our lives of the democratic institutions, 
first conceived and created by the ancient Greeks, that are the bedrock 
of our society and the guarantee of freedom for peoples around the 
world.
  Never have these institutions been more important to us. We revere 
and rejoice in them, and we commit ourselves once again to making them 
our legacy to the generations yet to come.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 182nd 
anniversary of Greek Independence that will be celebrated on Tuesday, 
March 25. It was on this day, March 25, 1821, that Greek patriots rose 
up against their Ottoman subjugators and began an 8-year struggle that 
culminated in a new Greek Republic in 1829.
  On this day, it is fitting that we reflect on the enormous 
contributions the Greek people have made to the modern world. The 
legacy of the ancient Greeks, in the fields of philosophy, literature, 
drama, sculpture, and architecture, continues to influence our beliefs, 
our values, and our concept of art. Our own democratic principles have 
their very foundation in the practices of the ancient Greece republic. 
Indeed, the ancient Greeks developed the concept of democracy, in which 
the supreme power to govern was vested in the people.
  Greek ideology also had a profound effect on our Founding Fathers, 
who modeled the American Government upon the principles of Greek 
democracy. Thomas Jefferson studied the Greek classics in his youth and 
was inspired by their philosophy throughout his life, most dramatically 
when he crafted the Declaration of Independence. When formulating his 
vision for this country, Jefferson specifically referred to the 
integrated assertions, theories, and aims of the classic Greek world.
  Our admiration for Greece continues into the modern day. Greece and 
the United States are at the forefront of the effort for freedom, 
democracy, peace, stability, and human rights, forging a close bond 
between the two Nations. We share a partnership with Greece in NATO, 
and our countries are linked forever by close family relationships 
between our peoples. Our Nation looks forward to working closely with 
Greece in the coming years as we examine ways to bring full peace, 
stability, and prosperity to all the nations of Europe and the world.
  As we celebrate Greek independence, we remember the history of those 
who sacrificed their lives to preserve freedom and democracy. We value 
our friendship and continuing partnership with the Government and 
people of Greece, and we commit to work together to provide greater 
opportunity and more freedoms for the citizens of the world. And we 
join the world in anticipating the momentous 2004 Summer Olympic Games, 
which will be held in Athens, the birthplace of the Olympic tradition.
  I am proud to join many of my colleagues as a cosponsor of Senate 
Resolution 214 which designates March 25, 2003 ``Greek Independence 
Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.'' I 
give Greek Americans my best wishes as they celebrate Greece's 
independence.
  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize two Oregon-based 
humanitarian organizations that are preparing to offer aid to the Iraqi 
citizens who may be displaced or who are facing hardships as a 
consequence of Saddam Hussein's intransigence and military events in 
Iraq.
  Mercy Corps, an international relief and development organization, 
exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression around the world. 
Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided more than $640 million in 
assistance to 75 nations. Mercy Corps primarily works in countries in 
transition from war or natural disaster or in the midst of extreme 
economic or social transition. This group offers humanitarian 
assistance not only to meet basic needs, but helps lay the foundation 
for peace by building local capacity and a just, inclusive civil 
society.
  Mercy Corps is already mobilizing an expanded relief effort that will 
deliver $20 million in aid to Iraq. Relief supplies for as many as 
700,000 displaced people will include crucial water, food, sanitation 
supplies, shelter, medical care and basic items like blankets and 
cooking supplies. Mercy Corps is already delivering critical medical 
care, shelter and reconstruction services to thousands of displaced 
people in northern Iraq.
  In addition, Mercy Corps is working with a consortium of other 
international partners, including the UN, to coordinate efforts to 
alleviate any humanitarian crisis that might arise in Iraq.
  Representatives of northwest Medical Teams International (NWMTI), 
also headquartered in Portland, are meeting this week with Defense 
Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to focus on the delivery and distribution of 
medical care, food, clean water and shelter for displaced Iraqis. 
Northwest Medical Teams International seeks to demonstrate the love of 
Christ to those in crisis by sending volunteer medical and response 
teams, distributing humanitarian aid, and providing community 
development programs and children's ministries. In particular, the 
organization provides assistance to vulnerable people suffering from 
the consequences of war, famine, epidemics, poverty, physical illness, 
deformities and natural disasters. Since 1979, NWMTI has sent teams or 
supplies to more than 40 countries.
  Northwest Medical Teams has a staff physician in Iraq, and three 
local medical volunteers will be joining him to provide life-saving 
aid. The agency also has $40,000 in medicines to send with the team and 
will send $20,000 to procure supplies locally in Iraq. The volunteers 
will serve thousands of displaced people at three camps as soon as the 
areas are secure.
  Northwest Medical Teams is also preparing to provide medicines, 
blankets and tents to large groups of Iraqis who might become displaced 
due to the ongoing armed engagement.
  Both of these organizations have had volunteers and staff working in 
northern Iraq since the Persian Gulf War in 1991.

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