[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Pages 4385-4386]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Today I proudly rise to celebrate Greek Independence 
Day and the strong ties that bind the nations of Greece and the United 
States.
  One hundred and eighty-five years ago, the people of Greece began a 
journey that would mark the symbolic birth of democracy in a land where 
those principles to human dignity were first espoused. This past 
Saturday, March 25, marked the 185th anniversary of the Greek struggle 
for independence. It was an historic day for all people who treasure 
freedom.
  In 1821, after four centuries of Ottoman rule, Greeks rose up in 
arms, fought valiantly and finally achieved a dream centuries old, 
freedom from Turkish oppression. In setting their blood for liberty and 
winning their freedom, Greeks showed the world their deep and abiding 
commitment to democracy. This celebration also marks the beginning of 
one of America's most valued and rewarding friendships.
  The flag of revolt was blessed by Bishop Germanos of Paleion Patron 
at the monastery of Aghia Lavra, and for 7 years, a handful of rebels 
in fierce fighting were able to contain the combined forces of the 
Sultan's Ottoman Empire. The confrontations at Valtetis, Dervenaia, as 
well as Missolognhi, where Lord Byron fought and died, rank among the 
most glorious and important pages of Greek history.

                              {time}  1915

  The exploits and victories of the Greek navy under Miaoulis, Kanaris, 
and Sachtouris, inspired the people of Europe, who finally brought 
pressure upon their governments to intervene in the fighting and compel 
the Sultan to recognize Greek independence.
  On October 20, 1827, at the battle of Navarino, the Turkish fleet was 
finally defeated by the British, French and Russian navies which had 
joined in the effort, and by September 14, after many centuries of 
foreign rule, freedom for the Greeks was regained by the Treaty of 
Adrianople of 1829 and, later, by the London Protocol of 1830.
  I commemorate Greek Independence Day, Mr. Speaker, each year for the 
same reasons we celebrate our Fourth of July. It proved that a united 
people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against 
tyranny. Both our nations share an illustrious history in defense of 
this cherished ideal. Both countries have shared a common commitment to 
the principles of equality and freedom, and in many ways, the American 
experiment might not have been possible without the Greek experience. 
Indeed, as Thomas Jefferson noted, ``To the ancient Greeks we are all 
indebted for the light which led ourselves, American colonists, out of 
Gothic darkness.''
  The ancient Greeks created the very notion of democracy, in which the 
ultimate power to govern was vested in the people. As Aristotle said, 
``If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be 
found in democracy, they will be attained when all persons alike share 
in the government to the utmost.''
  It was this concept, Mr. Speaker, that the Founding Fathers of the 
United States of America drew heavily upon in forming our 
representative government.
  Constitutionally, democracy has made the American way of life 
possible. For that contribution alone, we owe a heavy debt to the Greek 
people, but the contribution of democracy was not the only contribution 
made by Greek patriots to American society.
  The ancient Greeks contributed a great deal both to our cultural 
heritage, as well as to European culture, in the areas of art, 
philosophy, science and law. In the preface to his poem ``Hellas,'' 
poet Percy Shelly wrote, ``Our laws, our literature, our religion, our 
arts have their roots in Greece.''
  Greece has also given another gift to America. Nearly 1 million 
Greeks came to America's shores and enriched this great country of 
ours. Greek Americans have followed the rich tradition of their 
ancestors. They have made their mark in many professions, including 
medicine, science, law and business, among others. Some of our most 
illustrious citizens claim Greek ancestry. The welfare and progress of 
the Greek community, both here and abroad, is of great importance to 
all of us.
  Greek independence was a model for our new Nation and continues to be 
an inspiration for all those living in the darkness of oppression. 
Throughout history, Greece has represented an ideal in man's search for 
liberty. The principles of Greek democracy represent the greatest 
contribution a nation has ever made to society.
  The democratic tradition that began in Greece and continues in the 
American experience is taking root in an increasing number of 
countries, and the implications for world peace, while still very 
uncertain, are nevertheless the most promising they have been in 
decades. Democracy and freedom are the guiding beliefs that give hope 
to millions around the world and fuel the democratic revolution that is 
today sweeping the planet.
  Mr. Speaker, remembering the sacrifice of the brave Greeks who gave 
their lives for liberty helps us all realize how important it is to be 
an active

[[Page 4386]]

participant in our own democracy, and that is why we honor those who 
secured independence for Greece so many years ago.

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