[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 5]
[House]
[Pages 6143-6147]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 186TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF GREECE AND 
                CELEBRATING GREEK AND AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 228) recognizing the 186th anniversary of the 
independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 228

       Whereas the ancient Greeks developed the concept of 
     democracy, in which the supreme power to govern was vested in 
     the people;
       Whereas the Founding Fathers of the United States drew 
     heavily on the political experience and philosophy of ancient 
     Greece in forming our representative democracy;
       Whereas Greek Commander in Chief Petros Mavromichalis, a 
     founder of the modern Greek state, said to the citizens of 
     the United States in 1821 that ``it is in your land that 
     liberty has fixed her abode and . . . in imitating you, we 
     shall imitate our ancestors and be thought worthy of them if 
     we succeed in resembling you'';

[[Page 6144]]

       Whereas Greece played a major role in the World War II 
     struggle to protect freedom and democracy through such 
     bravery as was shown in the historic Battle of Crete, which 
     provided the Axis land war with its first major setback, 
     setting off a chain of events that significantly affected the 
     outcome of World War II;
       Whereas the price for Greece in holding our common values 
     in their region was high, as hundreds of thousands of 
     civilians were killed in Greece during World War II;
       Whereas throughout the 20th century, Greece was one of only 
     three countries in the world, other than the former British 
     Empire, that allied with the United States in every major 
     international conflict;
       Whereas President George W. Bush, in recognizing Greek 
     Independence Day, said, ``Greece and America have been firm 
     allies in the great struggles for liberty. Americans will 
     always remember Greek heroism and Greek sacrifice for the 
     sake of freedom . . . [and] as the 21st Century dawns, Greece 
     and America once again stand united; this time in the fight 
     against terrorism. The United States deeply appreciates the 
     role Greece is playing in the war against terror. . . . 
     America and Greece are strong allies, and we're strategic 
     partners.'';
       Whereas President Bush stated that Greece's successful 
     ``law enforcement operations against a terrorist organization 
     [November 17] responsible for three decades of terrorist 
     attacks underscore the important contributions Greece is 
     making to the global war on terrorism'';
       Whereas Greece is a strategic partner and ally of the 
     United States in bringing political stability and economic 
     development to the volatile Balkan region, having invested 
     over $10 billion in the region;
       Whereas Greece was extraordinarily responsive to requests 
     by the United States during the war in Iraq, as Greece 
     immediately granted unlimited access to its airspace and the 
     base in Souda Bay, and many ships of the United States that 
     delivered troops, cargo, and supplies to Iraq were refueled 
     in Greece;
       Whereas in August 2004, the Olympic games came home to 
     Athens, Greece, the land of their ancient birthplace 2,500 
     years ago and the city of their modern revival in 1896;
       Whereas Greece received world-wide praise for its 
     extraordinary handling during the 2004 Olympics of over 
     14,000 athletes from 202 countries and over 2 million 
     spectators and journalists, which it did so efficiently, 
     securely, and with its famous Greek hospitality;
       Whereas the unprecedented security effort in Greece for the 
     first summer Olympics after the attacks on the United States 
     on September 11, 2001, included a record-setting expenditure 
     of over $1,390,000,000 and assignment of over 70,000 security 
     personnel, as well as the utilization of an eight-country 
     Olympic Security Advisory Group that included the United 
     States;
       Whereas Greece, located in a region where Christianity 
     meets Islam and Judaism, maintains excellent relations with 
     Muslim nations and Israel;
       Whereas the Government of Greece has had extraordinary 
     success in recent years in furthering cross-cultural 
     understanding and reducing tensions between Greece and 
     Turkey;
       Whereas Greece and the United States are at the forefront 
     of the effort for freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and 
     human rights;
       Whereas those and other ideals have forged a close bond 
     between Greece and the United States and their peoples;
       Whereas March 25, 2007, the National Day of Celebration of 
     Greek and American Democracy, marks the 186th anniversary of 
     the beginning of the revolution that freed the Greek people 
     from the Ottoman Empire and celebrates the aspirations for 
     democracy that the peoples of Greece and the United States 
     share; and
       Whereas it is proper and desirable for the United States to 
     celebrate this anniversary with the Greek people and to 
     reaffirm the democratic principles from which these two great 
     nations were born: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the 
     people of Greece as they celebrate the 186th anniversary of 
     the independence of Greece;
       (2) expresses support for the principles of democratic 
     governance to which the people of Greece are committed; and
       (3) notes the important role that Greece has played in the 
     wider European region and in the community of nations since 
     gaining its independence 186 years ago.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Wexler) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay tribute on 
Greek Independence Day to one of America's most important European 
allies, Greece, and one that holds immeasurable importance to millions 
of Americans.
  I would also like to thank my good friend from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen), who has been a leading supporter of U.S.-Greek relations in 
Congress.
  Western civilization as we know it today is undeniably connected to 
Greece. For every American, Greece is known as the cradle of democracy. 
As a nation that still seeks to perfect its democracy in civic society, 
America looks to Greece and its universally known philosophers and 
leaders for political inspiration and wisdom. In fact, the very word 
``democracy'' is a Greek word. The history of Greek independence is 
inspiring, especially given America's own history and drive for 
independence from tyranny and oppression. Greeks have been willing to 
fight for independence, sacrifice for the sake of freedom, and have 
stirred others to do the same.
  As a Member of Congress with a large Greek-American community, I am 
especially pleased that we are passing this resolution today, which 
also highlights the extraordinary contributions of a community that has 
contributed greatly to the shared prosperity of our Nation. Today, the 
Greek-American community remains the bedrock in the unbreakable bond 
between the United States and our ally, Greece. As ambassadors of 
goodwill between the United States and Greece, Greek Americans have for 
decades shaped this long-standing friendship, creating a partnership 
based on freedom, democracy and peace.
  Today, some 5 million Americans claim Greek ancestry, with 
understandable pride. Greece is one of less than a handful of nations 
that have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in every 
major war of the 20th century. Our close relations became even closer 
after World War II. The Truman Doctrine helped save Greece from 
communism, indeed helped save it for the Western world, and the 
Marshall Plan helped pave the way for economic success.
  In 1952, Greece joined NATO, formalizing the deep mutual commitment 
of Greece and the rest of the western world to protecting freedom. Now, 
as an integral member of the EU for two decades, Greece has become 
increasingly prosperous, a democratic role model for the nations of the 
world.
  Greece remains a critical strategic partner in today's post-Cold War 
world. We cooperate closely in promoting peace and stability in the 
Balkans. Athens has supported efforts to settle the Cyprus problem and 
to end the divide on the island. And I am especially supportive of 
Greece's critical efforts in recent years to resolve historic 
differences with its neighbor, Turkey, including supporting that 
country's membership in the EU.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Greek people on the 186th anniversary 
of their independence and strongly support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I want to encourage all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 228, 
recognizing the 186th anniversary of the independence of Greece, 
celebrating Greek and American democracy and recognizing Greece as a 
very staunch ally and friend of our United States.
  Greece was the birthplace of the principles of democracy on which our 
Nation was founded. Our Founders studied Greek culture and Greek 
politics, and their influence is still with us today. Over the 
centuries, Greece has demonstrated its commitment to what it and our 
Nation prize among our highest ideals, and that word is ``liberty,'' 
``eleftheria'' to the Greek people.
  Indeed, many of our Nation's respective ideas are shared and, 
therefore, our relationship holds a special significance. Both the 
United States and Greece share much in common. Both are outward-looking 
trading nations that have enriched the world through commercial and 
cultural exchanges.
  Over the decades the U.S.-Greek relationship has developed quite 
dynamically, bolstered by common ideas and cooperation. Moreover, the 
Greek people have strived to protect freedom and democracy, allying 
itself with the

[[Page 6145]]

United States in every major conflict of the 20th century, notably 
sacrificing for and contributing to the victory of the Allied forces 
over the Axis powers during World War II.
  Today, our common destinies are threatened by other enemies who scorn 
our commitment to freedom, eleftheria, and aggression from Islamic 
extremism looms large and threatens western civilization that was born 
in that country of Greece. We are grateful that the Greek people have 
stood against this aggression throughout the years.
  Indeed, Greece should be praised for its contributions in the global 
war on terror. In the war in Iraq, Greece has been responsive to U.S. 
requests for access to its air space and in fueling U.S. ships that 
supply cargo ships headed to Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to further cooperation between our two 
nations and expanding the friendship that exists between Greek and 
American people. I therefore ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the nation of Greece on the 186th anniversary of its 
independence and to express their acknowledgment of the great 
friendship that exists between our two countries.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to give Ms. Jackson-Lee of 
Texas, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, 5\1/2\ minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished chairman and I 
thank my colleagues, my fellow member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, 
the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Lantos, and the 
ranking member, Ms. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Certainly, I have indicated 
already to Chairman Wexler thanks for his continued leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise, of course, to acknowledge and certainly support 
recognizing the 186th anniversary of the independence of Greece and 
celebrating Greek and American democracy. Greece has been a long-term 
model, if you will, for the principles of democracy. Any of us who have 
had the honor of learning the Greek philosophers throughout our 
academic training know that the principles they have enunciated have 
been strong and lasting.
  With that in mind as I celebrate the 186th anniversary, I commend my 
friends in Greece for their continued deliberations dealing with the 
issue of divide between the Turks and Greece, and I look forward to an 
opportunity that resolutions will come about that would solve some of 
those problems.
  Might I, Mr. Wexler, also indicate my support for H. Res. 64, which 
speaks to the freedom of press and particularly expresses the sense of 
the House of Representatives that the government of Bangladesh should 
immediately drop all charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin 
Shoaib Choudhury. I say that in recognition of the principles of 
freedom of press. Whenever we have had the opportunity to interact in 
bilaterals through Members of Congress or parliamentarians, one of the 
key issues that are discussed is the right of the voice of the 
opposition, or the voice of difference to be expressed. I hope that 
this particular legislation will pass with a firm statement by this 
Congress that we are, if you will, asking for his release.
  Might I also support H. Res. 107. I am an original cosponsor of this 
legislation calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the 
Israeli soldiers held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah. Let me say this, 
I have met with one of the family members of one of the captive 
soldiers.
  I think what is important in this statement, because we know that 
King Abdullah just a few days ago came to this Congress and said, we 
can make a difference in the Palestinian-Israeli issue. This happens to 
be soldiers that are in Lebanon, and, frankly, I think the point should 
be made that Israel has, in fact, done what they said they would do in 
pulling back.
  Whenever you get agreements that are kept, promises that are kept, 
then it seems that in the course of international collegiality or 
international decorum or international protocol that you have the 
opportunity to receive your soldiers back home, your loved ones back 
home. These young men, who are still being held, Gilad Shalit, Eldad 
Regev and Ehud Goldwasser, remain in captivity, even though the United 
Nations has, through passing United Nations Security Council Resolution 
1701, imposed a ceasefire on the Lebanon-Israel border. The resolution 
called for, and I quote, the unconditional release of the abducted 
Israeli soldiers. Even in the United Nations, which has a place for 
disparate voices and has a place for disagreement, we find that there 
is a call for their release.
  So I would hope that this particular legislation is not taken as a 
negative, but it is taken in compliance with the United Nations' 
interests in countries, recognizing when agreements are made that we 
can move forward on the agreement, and the captivity of soldiers of 
another sovereign nation certainly argues against having a world forum 
that really works.
  The United Nations has managed with all its difficulties to be a 
world forum. It has made a statement that they should be released. I 
would hope there would be enough resolve in Hezbollah and certainly in 
Hamas and others and in Lebanon, that whatever your viewpoint, you 
certainly should have the view to provide comfort to these families and 
have their loved ones returned.
  So I ask again for support of the underlying bill; that is, H. Res. 
228, and I add my support for H. Res. 64; and as a cosponsor of H. Res. 
107, I add my support for that.
  I conclude by simply saying that we have an opportunity to accept the 
challenge of King Abdullah in the way that we must know how to do it, 
and that is engagement and resolve for the best of all people in the 
Mideast. I hope that we will do so, and I would say to my friends in 
Lebanon, a good step and a good start would be the release, 
unconditional release of these soldiers.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 107, which 
calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli soldiers 
held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah and expresses the Congress's 
support for a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  Mr. Speaker, while the fighting between Israel and Hamas and 
Hezbollah has subsided, one of the initial causes for the war, has not 
yet been addressed. Three young men, Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev, and 
Ehud Goldwasser, remain in captivity.
  The fighting last summer ended when the United Nations Security 
Council passed Resolution 1701, which imposed a ceasefire on the 
Israel-Lebanon border. That resolution unequivocally called for ``the 
unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers.''
  Therefore, their ongoing captivity is ignoring the will of the 
international community. Indeed, Hamas and Hezbollah have not even 
allowed access to the Israeli captives by competent medical personnel 
and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 107 expresses this Congress's vision for ``a 
resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of 
a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside of 
the State of Israel.'' But this vision cannot be achieved by continuing 
to hold these soldiers by Hamas and Hezbollah.
  The United States cannot turn a blind eye when citizens of a fellow 
democracy fall prey to terrorists acts. Israeli soldiers must be 
released without delay and without preconditions, as the Security 
Council demands. That is also our demand. We will remain committed to 
the soldiers' freedom--for the sake of peace and to move toward a just 
resolution to these conflicts in the Mid East.
  Mr. Speaker, I support the resolution sponsored by Mr. Ackerman, the 
chairman of the Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee. I urge all my 
colleagues to do so as well.
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Bilirakis).
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep pride and 
respect to the Hellenic Republic as it prepares to celebrate the 
anniversary of Greek Independence Day, which took place on March 25, 
1821.
  I am almost certain that Thomas Jefferson cast an eye across the 
Atlantic towards Greece when he uttered these words in 1821, ``The 
flames kindled on the 4th of July, 1776, have not spread over much of 
the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism . . . 
On the contrary, they will

[[Page 6146]]

consume these engines and all who work them.''
  It is God's handiwork that I am blessed to straddle two cultures that 
have been beacons of liberty for all of civilization. The place of my 
birth, the land of the free and the home of the brave, the United 
States of America, and the land of my ancestors, the birthplace of 
democracy, the Hellenic Republic, Greece. I honor those brave and 
resilient Greeks who refused to be assimilated or converted into the 
Ottoman Empire. They endured centuries of torture and persecution to 
hang on to their precious heritage and faith. Bishop Germanos of Patras 
raised the emblem of freedom for Hellenes, the flag bearing a white 
cross and nine blue and white stripes representing the nine letters, 
eleftheria, freedom.
  This was an act of defiance against the Ottoman Empire, marking the 
beginning of Greece's war of independence on March 25, 1821.

                              {time}  1315

  Cries of Zito I Ellas, long live Greece; Eleftheria I Thanatos, live 
free or die, could be heard from the Ionian to the Aegean, from the 
Peloponeseus to the Dodocanese where my grandparents are from.
  It took 8 hard-fought years, until 1829, for the Sultan Mahmud to 
capitulate and surrender. Greek independence was guaranteed with the 
Treaty of Adrianople.
  Greeks were the first Ottoman subjects to secure recognition as an 
independent and sovereign nation. It was a fierce fight that drew 
support from Philhellenes the world over. None other than the United 
States, England, Lord Byron was wonderful in this cause.
  Undoubtedly, these Philhellenes were indebted to Greece, the world's 
first advanced civilization, for providing a cultural heritage that has 
influenced the world with firsts in philosophy, politics, mathematics, 
science, art and sport with the Olympics, just to name a few.
  I honor my ancestors for their deep abiding conviction in all that is 
good and true about mankind. I celebrate their bravery and commitment 
to freedom and justice. I praise their perseverance and patience in the 
face of unspeakable hardships. I commend their sacrifices to posterity 
so that, should there ever be another who seeks to oppress freedom-
loving people, we will be able to look upon history and summon up the 
same courage that those unyielding Hellenes exhibited nearly two 
centuries ago.
  Just as our great Founding Fathers studied the model of democracy the 
ancient Greeks put forth, it is likely our revolution for independence 
in the late 18th century served as a blueprint for the early 19th-
century Greeks to try their hand at freedom and sovereignty. It is a 
beautiful, symbolic symbiotic relationship that the United States and 
Greece have shared since, and it continues to enjoy.
  As George Washington proclaimed at the onset of the American 
Revolution: ``Our cause is noble. It is the cause of mankind.'' So it 
was in 1776 America and in 1821 Greece, and so it will always remain.
  Zito I Ellas, and God bless America.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlelady from New 
York (Mrs. Maloney), who also is the cochair of the Hellenic Caucus.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of 
this legislation, H. Res. 228, and cochair and cofounder of the 
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I rise today to celebrate the 
186th anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire.
  Against incredibly difficult odds, the Greeks defeated one of the 
most powerful empires in history to gain their independence.
  Following 400 years of Ottoman rule, in March 1821, Bishop Germanos 
of Patras raised the traditional Greek flag at the monastery of Agia 
Lavras, inciting his countrymen to rise up against the Ottoman Empire.
  The bishop timed this act of revolution to coincide with the Greek 
Orthodox holiday celebrating the archangel Gabriel's announcement that 
the Virgin Mary was pregnant with the divine child.
  Bishop Germanos' message to his people was clear, a new spirit was 
about to be born in Greece. The following year, the Treaty of 
Constantinople established full independence of Greece.
  As we celebrate Greek Independence Day, we should reflect upon the 
strong ties between Greece and the United States and the strong 
commitment to democracy shared by our two countries.
  The Greeks of 1821 fought for independence from the Ottoman Empire 
while drawing inspiration from the ideals and institutions of the 
United States.
  During their war of independence, the Greeks also received support 
from many Americans, including Presidents James Madison and James 
Monroe and Representatives Daniel Webster and Henry Clay, each of whom 
gave speeches and made resolutions and other statements in Congress in 
support of the Greek revolutionaries.
  Just as our defeat of the British Army was remarkable, so too was the 
Greek triumph over the Ottoman Army, a momentous achievement in world 
history.
  New York City is home to the largest Hellenic population outside of 
Greece and Cyprus. Western Queens, which I have the honor of 
representing, is often called Little Athens because of the large 
Hellenic population in its neighborhoods.
  New Yorkers celebrate Greek Independence Day with a parade on Fifth 
Avenue, along with many cultural events, private meetings and 
celebrations. These events, hosted by the Federation of Hellenic 
Societies and other Hellenic and Philhellenic organizations and 
friends, remind us of the Hellenic American community's many, many 
contributions to our Nation's history and culture.
  Relations between the United States and Greece remain strong with a 
shared commitment to ensuring stability in southeastern Europe.
  I hope permanent solutions can be found for ending the division of 
Cyprus and finding a mutually agreed upon name for the former Yugoslav 
Republic of Macedonia.
  Additionally, I strongly support the inclusion of Greece in the Visa 
Waiver Program. Last month, along with Representatives Space and 
Bilirakis and 18 of our House colleagues, we sent letters to Secretary 
Rice and Secretary Chertoff urging them to extend the Visa Waiver 
Program to Greece. Greece is the only member of the original 15 
European Union nations not to belong to the Visa Waiver Program.
  Greece has met the criteria for the program, including a less than 3 
percent refusal rate of U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants and biometric 
passports. I hope that they will soon be included in the program, and I 
ask my colleagues and the Nation to join me in celebrating Greek's 
independence today.
  Additionally, it is my sincere pleasure to pay tribute to the New 
York Hellenic American community for its many, many contributions to 
our city and Nation.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the 
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs, I am proud to congratulate 
the nation of Greece on the 186th anniversy of independence. Though it 
began the cradle of Democracy and formed the foundation of Western 
thought, Greece was ruled over by various empires until 1821 when the 
people of Greece threw off Ottoman oppression and set about founding a 
government that would be ruled by Greeks and for Greeks.
  The ancient Greek city-states provided young American with a strong 
foundation of government and philosophy to build our democracies. In 
both our nations, the Golden Age of Greece continues to be a guiding 
light.
  During the last 50 years, the United States has been proud to stand 
with the Greek people as they confronted communist oppression, 
solidified their democracy, and became part of the vibrant European 
economy.
  Independence, once achieved, is not guaranteed for all time. We know 
that at all times there must be those who are willing to sacrifice to 
retain liberty. Both of our nations have faced struggles for survival 
since the initial moment of independence. We must continue to support 
each other in the causes of freedom and democracy.

[[Page 6147]]

  Again, I congratulate the Greek people on this historic day. It is a 
day to remember the sacrifices of the past, to take pride in your 
nation, and to look forward to a bright future.
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Wexler, chairman of 
the Subcommittee on Europe, and also Ranking Member Ileana Ros-
Lehtinen, for their work on this legislation.
  We have no further speakers, so I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I too want to thank Mr. Poe. And we also do 
not have any more speakers, so we will yield back.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 228.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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