[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4192]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNITION OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of 
Greek Independence Day, which was celebrated this past Saturday. In 
doing so, I reaffirm the historic and strategic ties between the United 
States of America and Greece, and acknowledge the heritage that all of 
Western civilization draws from both ancient and modern sources in 
Greece.
  On March 25, 1821, the people of Greece declared independence from 
their Ottoman occupiers and reclaimed the mantle of democracy that they 
originated in ancient Athens. Since then, they have been a true and 
steady friend of the United States, working together to promote our 
common ideals, common goals, and in recognition of our mutual 
admiration. We are partners in seeking peace and prosperity in the 
Balkans and southeastern Mediterranean, as well as throughout the 
world. In celebrating Greek Independence Day this year, we recognize 
the contributions of ancient Greece to the establishment of democracy 
and culture, and the continuing importance of modern Greece in national 
affairs.
  Additionally, we affirm the innumerable contributions that Greek 
Americans have made to the United States. Their independence and 
creativity have been an essential component of the American success 
story, adding immeasurably to our economic strength. Greek American 
cultural values have enriched our communities and added to the 
diversity we cherish as Americans. I hope that you will join me in 
saluting Greece and Greek Americans in this 185th anniversary of Greek 
Independence Day.

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