[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 15]
[House]
[Pages 20611-20612]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1945
COMMENDING PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF GREECE FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF 
                       2004 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 774) commending the people 
and Government of Greece for the successful completion of the 2004 
Summer Olympic Games.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 774

       Whereas in August 2004, the Summer Olympic Games returned 
     to Greece, their ancient birthplace and the land of the 
     Acropolis, Homer, and Plato, reminding all of the origin of 
     democracy;
       Whereas the people and Government of Greece, through 
     extraordinary diligence, energy, and imagination, hosted a 
     successful 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens;
       Whereas Greece demonstrated an extraordinary ability to 
     accommodate more than 10,000 athletes from 202 countries, 
     along with hundreds of thousands of spectators, foreign 
     dignitaries, and journalists, and did so efficiently, 
     securely, and with hospitality;
       Whereas the 2004 Summer Olympic Games hosted by Greece 
     proudly displayed the ideals of the Olympic movement, 
     promoting mutual understanding, friendship, and peace among 
     nations through noble athletic competition;
       Whereas close cooperation between Greece and the United 
     States on several aspects of the Olympic Games, including 
     security, was consistent with the longtime friendship and 
     alliance between two nations that have stood side by side in 
     defense of a shared commitment to freedom and democracy for 
     more than 100 years;
       Whereas Greece provided the world with the unique 
     experience of seeing the Olympics framed by ancient wonders 
     such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis and the stadium in 
     Olympia;
       Whereas Greece displayed its modern achievements through 
     extraordinary Olympic venues, world-class infrastructure, and 
     breathtaking and high-tech opening and closing ceremonies; 
     and
       Whereas following completion of the games, United States 
     Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth stated that 
     ``history will record these Games as among the greatest, if 
     not the greatest, of all time'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the people of Greece for the successful 
     completion of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games; and
       (2) agrees with United States Olympic Committee Chairman 
     Peter Ueberroth that ``history will record these Games as 
     among the greatest, if not the greatest of all time''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Murphy). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) and the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Wexler) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann 
Davis).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and 
extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 774, 
the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I might consume.
  I rise in strong support of H. Res. 774 commending the people and 
government of Greece for the successful completion of the 2004 Summer 
Olympic Games, and I want to commend our colleagues, the gentleman from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), 
and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for introducing this 
legislation.
  For 17 glorious days this summer, with the spectacular setting of the 
ancient Parthenon and Acropolis as background, the Nation of Greece 
hosted the world to what has been referred to by some as one of the 
greatest games of all times.
  As we followed the progress of the preparations, we realized it 
surely was not easy to accomplish. The costs were high, and the 
tensions associated with providing security for 10,000 athletes and 
hundreds of thousands of visitors and spectators placed great pressure 
on the government of Greece. But in the end, the world-class venues and 
infrastructure provided, the breathtaking opening and closing 
ceremonies and, of course, the competition itself afforded the world an 
unparalleled look at the energy, diligence, hospitality and imagination 
of the people of Greece.
  All of Greece has a right to be proud of what was accomplished this 
summer. This resolution reaffirms that recognition.
  I urge adoption of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I would first like to commend our colleague, the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan), for introducing this 
important resolution.
  The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens recently unfolded before the eyes of 
hundreds of millions of people around the world, some watching in 
person, but many more on television. It is fair to say, Mr. Speaker, 
that the Athens games were an unqualified success.
  Despite fears of terrorism or that key Olympic venues would not be 
ready, Athens was more than prepared to receive tens of thousands of 
athletes and officials from around the world, and the Olympic spirit 
thrived as athletes lived out their dreams.
  These were truly historic games. The Summer Olympic Games returned to 
Greece, their ancient birthplace, for the first time. The games brought 
together people from all over the world; 202 countries participated in 
the Athens Olympics, including athletes from Afghanistan and Iraq.
  The Greek people and the government of Greece, through extraordinary 
diligence, energy and enthusiasm, hosted over 10,000 athletes with 
efficiency and security. The Greek officials developed transportation 
infrastructure to ensure that athletes and spectators could easily get 
to all Olympic venues and practice facilities.
  The United States and the government of Greece cooperated closely on 
several aspects of the Olympic games, including security. This 
cooperation solidified the long-standing alliance and friendship 
between our two Nations which stand side-by-side in defense of a shared 
commitment to freedom and democracy.
  The 2004 Olympics in Greece showed us the best combination of a 
modern, world-class infrastructure and high-tech innovation, framed by 
the ancient wonders of Greece, the birthplace of Western culture and 
democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to join the sponsors of this resolution in 
agreeing with the United States Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth that 
``history will record these Games as among the greatest, if not the 
greatest, of all time.''
  I strongly support this resolution and urge its unanimous passage.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
774, commending the people of Greece for hosting a successful and safe 
Olympics.
  As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, it is my 
great honor to recognize Greece for its recent achievements.
  I am very fortunate and privileged to represent Astoria, Queens--one 
of the largest and most vibrant communities of Greek Americans in this 
country.
  I never had any doubts that Greece would be an excellent host for the 
2004 Olympic Games, truly one of the greatest ever to be held.
  For three weeks in August, the people of Greece welcomed the world to 
participate in an event which allows countries to set aside their 
political differences for a brief time to come together in the spirit 
of peace and sportsmanship.
  Thousands of athletes from around the world returned to the 
birthplace of the Olympics to determine the fastest, the strongest, the 
best in each competition.
  From the swimming pool to the volleyball courts to the track and 
field arena, moments of perseverance and victory will be etched in our 
memories forever.
  As gracious hosts, the people of Greece showed the visiting 
delegations its beautiful historic and natural treasures, ensuring that 
they would remember their time in Greece for more than only their 
events.
  We heard much talk in the months leading up to the Games that the 
Greeks would not be ready.

[[Page 20612]]

  But they proved everyone wrong.
  The venues were completed and were the sites of some of the most 
exciting Olympic competitions ever.
  The opening and closing ceremonies were unbelievable.
  The volunteers were phenomenal, and the transportation was efficient.
  And most importantly, the outstanding security preparations taken in 
advance of the Games resulted in the safety of both the athletes and 
visitors.
  The 2004 Games have set an example for how future host cities will 
prepare for this magnificent event.
  The dollars and time spent on security were well worth the 
investment.
  I am tremendously proud of Greece for what it has accomplished.
  I an hopeful that its economy will benefit from the Games for years 
to come.
  I am confident that millions of tourists are planning vacations as we 
speak to Greece so that they can see for themselves the ancient ruins 
and its gorgeous coastline.
  And so that they can meet for themselves Greece's greatest treasure . 
. . its people.
  I would like to thank my good friend Representative Meehan for 
introducing this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished Chairman and 
Ranking Member of the International Relations Committee for bringing 
this resolution to the floor.
  I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 774, to pay tribute to the 
people and Government of Greece for hosting an unforgettable 2004 
Summer Olympic Games.
  This summer, the Olympic Games returned to their ancient birthplace. 
The people of Greece proudly displayed the ideals of the Olympic 
movement, promoting mutual understanding, friendship, and peace among 
nations through noble athletic competition.
  Greece overcame daunting security challenges and safely accommodated 
more than 10,000 athletes from 202 countries, along with hundreds of 
thousands of spectators, foreign dignitaries, and journalists.
  These visitors and the Olympics' television viewers worldwide 
experienced the games much as they must have been played originally, 
framed by ancient wonders such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis and 
the stadium in Olympia.
  Greece also displayed its modern achievements such as extraordinary 
Olympic venues and breathtakingly high-tech opening and closing 
ceremonies.
  In the words of United States Olympic Committee Chairman Peter 
Ueberroth, ``history will record these Games as among the greatest, if 
not the greatest, of all time.''
  The United States and Greece have long enjoyed a deep friendship that 
grew from a shared commitment to freedom and democracy more than 100 
years ago.
  We were proud to work in close cooperation with Greece this year to 
ensure the safety and success of this summer's games.
  I therefore join in commending the people of Greece for hosting an 
extraordinary 2004 Summer Olympic Games, and urge the House to pass 
this resolution. Zeto Ellas!
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my highest praise 
and congratulations for the magnificent way Greece hosted the 2004 
Summer Olympics. I strongly support H. Res. 774, a resolution which 
commends the people and government of Greece for the superb Olympic 
Games held this summer in Athens.
  The task of hosting the modern Olympic Games is filled with honor, 
but also presents a colossal challenge. With dedication, commitment to 
hard work, and inspirational leadership, Greece met the challenge while 
proudly showcasing the ideals of the Olympics and promoting friendship 
and peace among nations.
  As the host to the biggest sporting event in the world, Athens rose 
magnificently to the challenge and demonstrated the pride and honor 
that comes with such an occasion. The leadership shown by the 
government of Greece, and more specifically, the Prime Minister of 
Greece, Costas Karamanlis, inspired Athens to a great celebration of 
commitment, dedication, and human endeavor. The mayor of Athens, Dora 
Bakoyianni, was responsible for presenting the Olympics not only as a 
modern sporting occasion, but also as an ancient tradition with superb 
new modern facilities surrounded by historic and architectural wonder.
  The Olympic Games left behind not only a memory of great athletic 
competition, but a legacy of peace, nobility, and honor that should be 
at the forefront of all international occasions. The Athens Olympic 
Organizing Committee, under the direction of Gianna Dasklaki-
Angelopoulos, presented such a colossal event which surpassed all 
expectations. She and her staff succeeded in showcasing all that Athens 
has to offer, old and new, as the birthplace of the Olympics and a 
frontrunner in modern development. With Athens being the birthplace of 
the modern Olympics games and containing so many beautiful ancient 
monuments, there could not have been a more perfect setting for a truly 
wonderful celebration of athleticism.
  The citizens and government of Greece put on a show that made 
Hellenes from around the world proud. As a Greek-American, I am most 
proud. I commend Greece for ensuring that the 2004 Summer Olympic Games 
would not be forgotten. I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 
774.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no further 
requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 774.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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