[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5162]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE 183RD ANNIVERSITY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2004

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of the 
183rd anniversary of Greek Independence. This special day for Greece 
commemorates the strength and determination of its people to restore 
their democratic roots and identity.
  The political philosophies of both the United States and Greece have 
been challenged by oppressive powers, and both nations have proudly 
defended their right to self-government and individual freedoms. After 
showing a desire to be free from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, Greece 
endured eleven long years of war to succeed in gaining independence. 
American and Hellenic cultures greatly respect their tradition of 
independence and recognize the importance of democratic principles.
  The United States and Greece have always enjoyed a friendship and 
alliance in international and cultural endeavors. Hellenic principles 
resonate in our culture and politics, since the United States was 
founded on the principles of democracy developed thousands of years ago 
in the city-states of ancient Greece. The beauty of Greek architecture 
can even be found while taking a walk through our beloved Capitol 
building. Likewise, our country's influence on Greece can be seen in 
their first Constitution, which was based on our Declaration of 
Independence and the principles behind the American Revolution.
  On a cultural level, I am looking forward to this summer and the 
homecoming of the Olympic Games to Athens. Since Greece resurrected the 
Olympics in 1896, they have symbolized peace and excellence for people 
around the world. The Olympics show that great athletic skill and 
spirited competition can bring nations together despite their 
differences. Greece will undoubtedly serve as a gracious host of the 
Games, and the 25th Summer Olympics will prove again to the world how 
Hellenic ideals such as equality and friendship have stood the test of 
time and continue to flourish at a global level. Hellenic culture, 
whether through its development of democratic government or its 
espousal of friendly competition, encourages people to come together 
amicably even during the most difficult of times.
  Mr. Speaker, it would be hard to imagine a United States of America, 
or even the world, without the great contributions from Greece. I will 
continue to work in Congress to support Hellenic causes and our strong 
and important alliance. I would like to join my colleagues in 
congratulating Greece on the anniversary of its independence.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating this anniversary.

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