[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 7387]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1930
                         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. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate a 
remarkable anniversary, that which marks a day of Greek independence 
which took place 186 years ago on March 25. It is also a celebration 
which recognizes the strong ties that bind together the United States 
of America and Greece.
  What a blessing to be able to straddle two brilliant cultures that 
have been the beacon of liberty and justice for humankind. Nothing 
makes me prouder than to call myself American, for it was the United 
States that welcomed my grandparents and allowed them to bring their 
morals, their values, their faith, their rich ethnic traditions and 
work ethic to this great land of opportunity and freedom.
  God, indeed, shed his grace on America, as he has on Greece, the 
prototype for the democratic republic that became the United States. 
Imagine, what a curious notion it may have seemed thousands of years 
ago when the ancient Greeks put forth the idea, a man being able to 
engage in self-rule. The originality of ideas articulated by Plato, 
Socrates, and all the great thinkers of ancient Greece served as an 
inspiration to America's colonial leaders like Jefferson, Washington, 
Madison, and Hamilton.
  It is the American revolution in turn that likely served as an 
inspiration for the Greeks that were suffocating under the Ottoman 
rule. 186 years ago the people began a journey that would mark the 
symbolic rebirth of democracy in the land where those principles to 
human decency were first espoused.
  March 25, 1821, is a historic day for all people who treasure 
freedom. Greece rose up in arms, fought brilliantly and finally 
overthrew the Ottoman rule, showing the world their deep and abiding 
commitment to democracy. The flag of revolt was raised by Bishop 
Germanos of Patras. Cries of Zito I Ellas, ``Long Live Greece,'' and 
Elefteria I Thanatos, ``Liberty or Death,'' could be heard from the 
mountains of Suli to the shores of Crete.
  In fact, the bravery of the Suliotes demonstrated that acts of 
courage were not limited to the men of Greece. The fierce patriotic 
villagers of Suli fought the Ottomans in several battles. News of their 
victories spread to nearby villages and inspired others to revolt. When 
the women, who were left alone, learned the Ottoman troops were 
approaching their village, they began dancing the Syrtos, which we 
still do today, a patriotic Greek dance. One by one with the children 
in arms, the Suliote women sacrificed themselves for the cause of 
liberty. They chose death rather than oppression.
  Stories of sacrifice like that of the Suliotes are plentiful. These 
actions, as well as the exploits and victories of the Greek Navy under 
Miaoulis, Kanaris, Bubulina, and Kolokotronis 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, which finally secured the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829.
  We commemorate Independence Day each year for the same reasons we 
celebrate our 4th of July. It proved that a united people through sheer 
will and perseverance can prevail against tyranny. Both of 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. 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 
the Gothic darkness.'' Democracy and freedom are the guiding beliefs 
that give hope to millions around the world.
  Remembering the sacrifice of the brave Greeks who gave their lives 
for the cause of liberty helps us all realize how important it is to be 
an active participant in our own democracy.
  As Plato noted: ``The penalty good men pay for indifference to public 
affairs is to be ruled by evil men.'' Greeks, like Americans, have 
never been indifferent to the welfare of mankind. We share a belief 
that citizens must be engaged in governmental affairs and must work to 
promote liberty and justice throughout the world. That is why we honor 
those who secured independence for Greece nearly two centuries ago. Let 
us always remember their commitment to freedom. God bless America and 
Zito I Ellas.

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