[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4213]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE 185TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of the 
185th 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. I am pleased that the 
Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and other dignitaries paid a 
visit last week to Washington, D.C., to celebrate this anniversary 
since Hellenic principles resonate in our culture and politics. 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, 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. We saw at the 
2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, 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.

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