[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7445]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            182 YEARS OF FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE IN GREECE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 182 years 
that have passed since the Greek people's revolution from the Ottoman 
Empire. Nearly 400 years ago, the Greek people embarked on a powerful 
revolution against the Ottoman oppressors. As Bishop Germanos of Patras 
raised the Greek flag at Agia Lavras following the fall of 
Constantinople, the ancient Greeks forged a mighty wave of democracy 
and freedom.
  Long after the triumphs of 1821, Greece continues to prove itself as 
a loyal ally of the United States and an internationally recognized 
advocate of democracy. Greece is one of only three nations in the world 
beyond those of the former British Empire to be allied with the United 
States in every major international conflict of the 20th century. I 
have little doubt this impressive and dependable relationship will 
continue throughout the 21st century and beyond. In the Balkans, Greece 
has played a steady hand of democracy in the face of regional unrest 
and instability.
  As we continue in our efforts to free the world of terrorism, Greece 
again stands firm with the United States. Our efforts in the war 
against terror would not be as successful without the continued 
assistance from our allies in Greece. Greece's reliability as a stable 
democracy and key NATO ally is critical in our efforts to advocate 
international peace and stability.
  As we celebrate 182 years of freedom and independence, I salute and 
thank the Greek people for their spirit and their ongoing pursuit of 
peace. To Greece, a free and democratic ally: ``Cronia polla hellas''.

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