[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5823]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


  GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY: A NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION OF GREEK AND 
                        AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, Tuesday, March 25, 
2008, has been designated ``Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.'' I am pleased to join my 
colleagues in recognizing the unique contributions to our civilization 
from those of Greece and of Greek American descent.
  Democracy was first born in Greece over 2,000 years ago, based on the 
fundamental principle of consensual government self-determined by free 
citizens. The ideas forged in ancient Greece by brilliant minds of the 
day have such clarity and force that 2,000 years later they still hold 
more power than a host of armed weapons.
  The priceless ideas of democracy and equality born in ancient Greece 
have strongly shaped the American national identity, which became a 
beacon of freedom and dignity to individuals. They continue to give 
hope and inspiration to the millions around the world who yearn to live 
in a free society like ours. Greece set the example for us and we, in 
turn have set the example for countless others.
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate that the Congress has set aside this 
national day of celebration again in 2008. Each year, it seems, we have 
a greater appreciation for the tremendous contribution of Greece to our 
American values and our priceless democracy.

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