[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 8426-8432]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING 188TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 273) recognizing the 188th anniversary of the 
independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 273

       Whereas the ancient Greeks developed the concept of 
     democracy, in which the supreme power to govern was vested in 
     the people;

[[Page 8427]]

       Whereas the Founding Fathers of the United States, many of 
     whom read Greek political philosophy in its original text, 
     drew heavily on the political experience and philosophy of 
     ancient Greece in forming our representative democracy;
       Whereas the Greek national anthem (Hymn to Liberty) 
     includes the words, ``Most heartily was gladdened George 
     Washington's brave land'';
       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'';
       Whereas the people of the United States generously offered 
     humanitarian assistance to the Greek people during their 
     struggle for independence;
       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 onto 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 a 
     few countries that allied with the United States in every 
     major international conflict;
       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 $20,000,000,000 in the countries of the region, thereby 
     creating over 200,000 new jobs, and having contributed over 
     $750,000,000 in development aid for 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 Greece is an active participant in peacekeeping and 
     peace-building operations conducted by international 
     organizations, including the United Nations, the North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union (EU), 
     and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe 
     (OSCE);
       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 worldwide praise for its 
     extraordinary handling during the 2004 Olympics of over 
     14,000 athletes and over 2,000,000 spectators and 
     journalists, which it did efficiently, securely, and with its 
     famous Greek hospitality;
       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 has been consistently working for 
     rapprochement with Turkey, as seen with the January 2008 
     visit to Turkey by Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, 
     the first official visit by a Greek Prime Minister in 49 
     years;
       Whereas Greece serves as a key transit country for the 
     delivery of gas to Europe via the Turkey-Greece-Italy 
     Interconnector;
       Whereas Greece and the United States are at the forefront 
     of the effort for freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and 
     human rights;
       Whereas those and similar ideals have forged a close bond 
     between Greece and the United States and their peoples;
       Whereas March 25, 2009, Greek Independence Day, marks the 
     188th 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 188th 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 188 years ago.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Berman) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of this joint resolution marking the 188th 
anniversary of Greek independence. I would like to thank my good friend 
and our wonderful ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, 
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her leadership in ensuring that 
the House marks this important date.
  As the birthplace of democracy, Greece stands alone among nations in 
its influence over our modern American government. Our Founding Fathers 
fashioned our society based, in significant part, on the political 
experience and philosophy of the ancient Greeks.
  We stand here in a room today surrounded by images of some of the 
greatest thinkers in world history, many of them Greek. We stand in a 
building held up by ancient Greek architectural designs and techniques. 
And we continue to legislate today under Greek ideals of democratic 
governance.
  From the ancient world of Homer and Plato to the theories of 
Hippocrates and Pythagoras, we are indebted to the Greek nation for its 
scientific, philosophical and artistic contributions to the world.
  Throughout the modern era, Greece has been one of the United States' 
strongest allies, supporting us in every major international conflict. 
Today, our two nations express their mutual commitment safeguarding 
democracy and freedom through partnership in NATO and through bilateral 
defense cooperation.
  Situated at the crossroads of three continents, Greece holds a 
strategic position in the Mediterranean region. Over the past decade, 
Athens has pursued path-breaking diplomacy that has resulted in 
meaningful rapprochement with its neighbor, Turkey. Last year, Prime 
Minister Kostas Karamanlis made an official visit to Ankara, the first 
Greek Prime Minister to do so in nearly half a century.
  As we commemorate today the 188th anniversary of Greek independence 
from Ottoman rule, we would be remiss if we failed to acknowledge the 
rich contributions of Greek immigrants and their descendants to the 
United States. We hope to continue the mutual benefit of cultural 
exchange by welcoming soon, Greece, into the Visa Waiver Program.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the beautiful and noble country of Greece 
on its anniversary, and I join with Americans and democracy-lovers 
throughout the world in celebrating Greek heritage and our thriving 
Greek-American friendship.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, to start our discussion, I would like 
to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the 
ranking member on our Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and 
Trade.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, what we are recognizing here: come tomorrow 
we have the 188th year anniversary of the independence of Greece. And 
we are celebrating Greek and American democracy. And that date tomorrow 
represents the day at which, after 400 years of oppressive rule, Greeks 
finally became free. Greeks were able, and it is amazing to think about 
it, to maintain their language, maintain their religion, to hold on to 
their culture, despite 20 generations of persecution during that period 
of time.
  And I think one of the reasons we are proud here in the United States 
about the role we played was because U.S. President James Monroe and 
our then-Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, pushed to send funds and 
supplies to aid Greece in that struggle. But more importantly, I think 
to all of us, freeborn men, both white and black, born in the North, 
traveled to Greece during

[[Page 8428]]

that struggle. They played a role over 180 years ago in securing those 
freedoms. That was the power at the time of the concept of Greek 
liberty, that it drove Americans in this early republic to travel to 
Greece in order to take part in that very struggle. And that struggle, 
frankly, began an alliance between the U.S. and Greece that has joined 
our two countries in NATO, that has seen our soldiers fight tyranny in 
World War II.

                              {time}  1500

  We are indebted to the Greeks for their vast influence on our own 
society. Two thousand five hundred years ago, the Greeks ushered in 
Western civilization, and they brought about at that time the 
scientific method. They gave us the philosophy of Aristotle and 
Aristotelian logic, the birth of democratic government, the first age 
of reason. They brought forward the poetry of Euripides, the three-
dimensional painting that was not rediscovered as a technique until the 
end of the Dark Ages, until into the Renaissance when again the 
enlightenment represented, really, the rediscovery of Greek philosophy, 
of these concepts of the autonomy of the individual, of logic and 
reason.
  Our own founding fathers were deeply influenced by those Hellenic 
ideas. Thomas Jefferson, Adams and Madison, they not only wrote and 
read Greek; they could speak Greek--Tom Paine as well. They were well-
versed in Greek philosophy.
  In crafting the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, 
Jefferson and Madison drew heavily on the Greek ideal that a government 
derives its power from the people. Thomas Jefferson's stirring words 
that all men are created equal and are endowed with unalienable rights 
hark back to natural law theories that originated in Greek philosophy. 
Indeed, the very architecture of our buildings, the very ideals that 
drove our founding fathers through all of this Greek culture permeates 
throughout Washington, DC and our Nation. It is this legacy that we 
justly recognize today.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the remaining time to the gentleman 
from Florida (Mr. Wexler).
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Adler of New Jersey). Without objection, 
the gentleman from Florida will control the time.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to Ms. Berkley, the 
gentlewoman from Nevada.
  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as a friend of Greece 
but also as a proud daughter. My mother's family comes from Salonika, 
Greece, and I count my Greek-Jewish heritage among my most enriching.
  Greece has been a strong ally of the United States, standing by us in 
our struggles against the Nazis and now in the struggle against Islamic 
extremism. The Greek people paid a very high price for their opposition 
to the Nazis, and we are forever grateful for their sacrifices, of 
which there were many. Greece continues to be a top contributor to NATO 
and is a leader in the Balkan region.
  The resolution before the House today extends its best wishes, our 
best wishes and congratulations, to the people of Greece, whom we look 
to as our forebearers in democracy. I am a proud cosponsor of this 
resolution, but I hope this will not be our last word on our friendship 
with Greece.
  I urge this House and our administration to strengthen our 
relationship with Greece by including it in the Visa Waiver Program. By 
approving admission into the program, we will send not only a message 
of friendship but a message of thanks to the Greek community, which is 
so deserving of our friendship and of our gratitude. Greece has met the 
criteria to become a visa waiver country, and only awaits approval of 
their application. On this anniversary, let us take concrete action to 
strengthen our bond with Greece and send a message of thanks to our 
friends and allies.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to my 
wonderful colleague from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis. It is no surprise he 
is the cochair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, and a fine job he 
does.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride and strong 
support for House Resolution 273, recognizing the 188th anniversary of 
Greek independence and celebrating Greek and American democracy. I 
thank my good friend and ranking member, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for 
introducing this resolution.
  Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and 
established this great republic, Greek freedom fighters began an 
arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and its people 188 
years ago. When the Greeks began this glorious revolution after four 
centuries of Ottoman oppression, they faced incredible odds. It was 
David versus Goliath.
  On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos raised the flag of freedom and 
declared Greece free. This day of rebellion was not chosen by chance. 
It was a holy day, dedicated to the mother of God. To the Greeks of 
1821, Theotokos was their champion, their savior, their protector. The 
revolution of 1821 brought independence to Greece, and emboldens those 
who still seek freedom across the world. It proved to the world that a 
united people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against 
tyranny.
  By honoring the Greeks' struggle for independence, we reaffirm the 
values and ideas that make our great Nation. We also remember why 
freedom is so important. In the history of the Greek war for 
independence, many Greeks died, but they were undeterred from their 
ultimate goal. ``Eleftheria I Thanatos''--liberty or death--became 
their battle cry.
  We know the price of liberty can be very high. Democracy can only be 
maintained at a great cost. Our Greek brothers earned their liberty 
with blood, as did our American forefathers. The freedom we enjoy today 
is due to the sacrifices made by men and women in the past. I take 
great pride in both my Greek and American heritage.
  As Thomas Jefferson once said, ``To the ancient Greeks . . . we are 
all indebted for the light which led ourselves . . . American 
colonists, out of gothic darkness.''
  We celebrate Greek independence to reaffirm the common democratic 
heritage we share. As Americans, we must continue to pursue this spirit 
of freedom and liberty that characterizes both of these great nations.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to Mr. Space, the 
gentleman from Ohio.
  Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
273, recognizing the 188th anniversary of Greek independence and 
celebrating Greek and American democracy.
  This bill is personally significant to me because, like Mr. 
Bilirakis, I, too, am of Greek descent, being the grandson of 
immigrants who came here from the very small but beautiful island of 
Ikaria, Greece.
  It is significant that we understand in recognizing and in advocating 
for this resolution that our founding fathers chose the ancient Greek 
models in the formation of our own Constitution and in formulating and 
defining the values of freedom, justice and equality. What is equally 
interesting is that, when Greece attained its independence, it turned 
to the Jeffersonian democracy that we have in formulating its 
constitution.
  This resolution reaffirms the excellent relationship between the 
United States and Greece. In its passage, I look forward to continued 
joint cooperation between these two nations in their mutual quest for 
peace, justice and democratic principles. Peace, justice and democratic 
principles are not just words. They mean something.
  In this case, it means a renewed interest and quest for peace, 
justice and the principles of democracy in Cyprus. It means ending the 
occupation that has lasted for over 35 years. It means this country 
working with Greece to effectuate that. It means preserving the 
sanctity and the integrity of the ecumenical patriarch, the spiritual 
father of nearly 300 million who are Christian Orthodox worldwide.
  Ascribing to those principles is what we believe in, and it is what 
Greece believes in. I look forward to working

[[Page 8429]]

with Greece in future years as we strive for that justice.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas, Judge Poe.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, 188 years ago, the Greeks brought 
forth another democracy, but their philosophy started hundreds of years 
ago. They did not just bring the world a relentless warrior who was 
willing to give everything to defend the sacred honor of the Greek 
Nation, but they brought the world a concept that was novel, because of 
no other country can it be said that they brought to the world a 
philosophy that it was the individual that is more important than 
government, itself, more important than the State, because always 
before in all cultures the State was the supreme power over the 
individual. Yet the Greeks had the novel concept that the human being, 
the individual, is worth more than the State. Because of that seed, 
democracy was planted, and democracy now flourishes throughout the 
world with the basic premise that it is the individual who is all 
important.
  So we honor them tomorrow because of their great heritage, because of 
their great influence on our democracy, but we also honor them because 
they gave to the world a concept of freedom and worth of the individual 
that had never before been known to any civilization.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Nevada (Ms. Titus).
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud member of the 
Congressional Hellenic Caucus to offer my strong support for H. Res. 
273, celebrating the 188th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. I am 
proud to follow other members of this caucus, and agree with their 
wonderful comments about this special occasion.
  My grandfather, Arthur Costandinos Cathones, for whom I am named, 
came to America from Greece in 1911. He instilled in me a love of 
Greece and Greek culture. The Hellenic values he taught me have served 
me well as guiding principles throughout my career in public service, 
and he would be so proud to see me today on the floor of the U.S. 
House.
  I have been blessed with this wonderful heritage throughout my life. 
I have enjoyed visiting Greece a number of times to learn firsthand 
about the birthplace of democracy, and these trips have given me a deep 
understanding of the country's regions, its mythologies, its history, 
its food, its music, and especially its people.
  The U.S. and Greece have always shared a special bond. When the new 
democracy was formed in Greece, they charged themselves with imitating 
and resembling American democracy, just like our forefathers shaped our 
democracy around the ideals of Aristotle and Socrates. Those are the 
very principles of government I teach in my political science classes 
at UNLV.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to celebrating this holiday tomorrow 
with the leaders of the Hellenic community and with the President of 
the United States. I look forward to working to further strengthen the 
relationship between the United States and the wonderful Hellenic 
Republic of Greece.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  I am proud to both sponsor and rise today in support of this 
resolution. This measure, as we have heard from each speaker, expresses 
our support for the nation of Greece as it celebrates the 188th 
anniversary of its independence, and it also notes the many very 
positive aspects of our relationship with that country.
  There is truly a kinship between the people of Greece and the United 
States, one that was born from the shared ideals of democracy. 
Americans, indeed, owe a great deal to the political philosophy of 
democracy that was born in ancient Athens so long ago in 500 B.C. It 
was the Greek city-state of Athens that first created the word 
``democracy'' by combining ``demos,'' meaning people, with ``kratos,'' 
meaning power, and so it became the first state in history to introduce 
and implement the concept of democracy in its form of government.
  As they framed our Constitution in the late 18th century, our 
founding fathers drew upon the principles and the forms of government 
that had been created in ancient Greece thousands of years earlier. 
Soon after that, 45 years after America's Declaration of Independence, 
Greek freedom fighters looked to the young United States for 
inspiration as they began their work for independence from Ottoman 
Turkey in 1821. In fact, at that time, one of those Greek freedom 
fighters praised George Washington and the United States for being the 
land of liberty in his poem ``Hymn to Liberty.'' That poem then became 
a rallying cry in the Greek war for independence, and was later adopted 
as the national anthem for Greece.

                              {time}  1515

  Today, Mr. Speaker, Greece is a strong ally of the United States. It 
was the only country that fought alongside the United States in every 
major conflict of the 20th century. The contributions and sacrifices 
made by Greeks in fighting the Nazis in World War II, in the Battle of 
Crete and elsewhere, are not forgotten by us today well over 60 years 
later.
  In this new century, Greece has also sought to reinforce stability 
and peace in her area of the eastern Mediterranean. As evidenced by her 
position at the crossroads of energy supplies between Asia and Europe 
and by its efforts to support stability in the region of the Balkans, 
Greece will play an increasingly important role in its immediate region 
in the European Union and the trans-Atlantic community of nations.
  It is my privilege to have introduced this resolution, Mr. Speaker, 
recognizing the strong relationship between the United States and 
Greece and honoring the 188th anniversary of the revolution that led 
Greece to its freedom. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting 
this resolution.
  I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.
  Mr. WEXLER. I yield myself such time as I might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Hellenic Caucus, I want to 
express strong support for this resolution recognizing the 188th 
anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and 
American democracy. I would also once again like to thank my very good 
friend from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) who has been a leading supporter 
of U.S.-Greek relations in Congress. Additionally, I want to express my 
gratitude to the co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, Congresswoman 
Maloney and Congressman Bilirakis, for their efforts in moving this 
resolution forward.
  Having had the honor of meeting with the Foreign Minister of Greece 1 
month ago, it is an honor to highlight one of America's most important 
allies, Greece, and the common commitments to democracy, human rights 
and laws that bind our two nations. This resolution is an opportunity 
to praise Greece for its efforts to bring peace and stability to the 
Balkans, as well as the support Athens has given the United States 
following 9/11 and our collective efforts on the war on terrorism.
  It is not lost on any of us in Congress that Greece was quick to 
respond to requests by the United States during the war in Iraq and 
immediately granted unlimited access to its airspace and the base in 
Souda Bay. Many American ships that delivered troops, cargo, and 
supplies to Iraq were refueled in Greece.
  Close cooperation with our NATO ally Greece continues on a daily 
basis, and it is essential that Congress and the administration 
recognize this extraordinary support and express our deepest gratitude 
to the Greek people and Greek government.
  This occasion is not only important in terms of U.S.-Greece bilateral 
relations, but it is an historic occasion for millions of Americans. 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 this community's extraordinary commitments to the 
shared prosperity of our Nation.
  It is undeniable that the Greek American community, which includes

[[Page 8430]]

some five million Americans with Greek ancestry, is the lynchpin in the 
unbreakable bond between the United States and Greece. As unofficial 
ambassadors between the U.S. and Greece, Greek Americans have for 
decades successfully shaped this long-standing friendship and built new 
bridges to forge closer relations between our nations.
  While this resolution recognizes an important anniversary in the 
independence of Greece, it is also my hope that today's floor debate 
will be used as a catalyst to promote our ally, Greece's, participation 
in the Visa Waiver Program. Greece has fulfilled all of the criteria to 
be included in the Visa Waiver Program, and I urge the administration 
to act as quickly as possible, along with Athens, to finalize this 
process and open the door to further enhance the relationship between 
the people and governments of the United States and Greece.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate the Greek people on the 188th 
anniversary of their independence and strongly support this resolution.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Hellenic 
community as they celebrate the 188th anniversary of Greek Independence 
from the Ottoman Empire.
  After close to 400 years of Ottoman rule, on March 25, 1821, the 
people of Greece rose up against the Turks and won their independence. 
March 25th is a date that will live forever in the hearts and minds of 
Greeks all around the world.
  The Greeks have a history dating back almost 4000 years. Greece is 
the cradle of democracy and its great philosophers were an invaluable 
inspiration for our founding fathers as they created the democracy we 
have in America.
  We are joined by culture and a deep commitment to shared values. 
Greek ideals of democracy and freedom continue to inspire us.
  On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the living history of Greek 
heritage. During the occupation by the Ottoman Turks, they risked harsh 
penalties, some extreme as death, to teach their children the culture, 
history, and language of their ancestors. It is this dedication to 
Greek culture and ideals that led them to revolt against the Ottomans 
in 1821.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the great pleasure of representing a large number 
of Greek-Americans in the Seventh District of New York. Their influence 
and active participation in their communities has fostered economic, 
political, and social growth throughout New York City and I am honored 
to represent them in Congress.
  Generations of Greek Americans have enriched every aspect of our 
national life, in the arts, sciences, business, politics, and sports. 
Through hard work, love of family and community, they have contributed 
greatly to the prosperity and peace that we all enjoy as Americans 
today.
  Although the anniversary of Greece's independence is cause to 
celebrate, we must also use this occasion to remember the ongoing 
struggle for freedom and demand for human rights on the island of 
Cyprus. The United States and the international community must remain 
steadfast in our resolve to unify the Greek and Turkish Cypriots who 
have been divided for far too long.
  Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate my strong commitment to the Greek 
communities in my district, the country, and throughout the world. 
Their strength and dedication to democracy and peace in the world has 
made them an inspiration and model for modern civilization.
  I urge my colleagues to join me as we celebrate Greek independence.
  Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Greece on her 188th 
anniversary of Independence.
  The U.S. tradition of democracy was built upon ancient Greek 
political and philosophical thought. And, the flame that ignited the 
first discussions of democracy in Ancient Greece, shined luminously 
throughout the Mediterranean on March 25, 1821.
  Fortunately, this anniversary not only marks the creation of a 
promising, new democratic state, but of a steadfast and loyal friend to 
the United States.
  I am proud to say that Greece has stood by the United States as a 
strong NATO ally.
  A quick and reliable partner in World War II, the Balkans and most 
recently, Iraq.
  And as a leader through its chairmanship of the Organization for 
Security and Cooperation in Europe.
  I would also particularly like to congratulate the nearly 15,000 
Greek-Americans of Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn whose strong 
family ties, established customs and tradition of hard work have added 
to the character and longevity of my district.
  These Greek Americans and their relatives in Greece are a tight 
community. Their relatives in Greece deserve to have the same level of 
access for tourism and business travel to the United States that most 
other European countries have. This is why I support Greece's prompt 
membership into the visa waiver program and look forward to future 
global opportunities to partner with our friend and ally, Greece.
  On this important occasion I would like say once more: 
Congratulations.
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 188th 
Anniversary of Greek Independence Day and the valiant Greek struggle to 
cast aside the shackles of imperial oppression. For those who believe 
in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, March 25, 1821, 
resonates through the annals of history as a seminal moment in the 
epoch of democracy.
  From ancient Greece the world came to speak of the founders of 
democratic thought--Cleisthenes, Themistocles, Pericles, Socrates, 
Plato, Aristotle and countless others. When our founding fathers 
contemplated the establishment of the United States of America they 
looked across time and geography to the shores of ancient Greece. 
Thomas Jefferson and others who studied the Democratic philosophies of 
the ancient Greeks knew that in their teachings lay the formula for a 
just and free society.
  In 1776 the sacred flame of liberty illuminated the shores of 
America, and when in 1821 the mother of democracy awoke and sought to 
liberate herself from the dark conquest that had befallen her, America 
cheered her on. During the Greek struggle for independence, many 
Americans felt a kindred spirit with the Greeks, and gave the name of a 
Greek Independence War hero to the town of Ypsilanti, Michigan.
  It is only natural that the fraternal bonds of liberty between 
America and Greece have been present from the first day of the 
establishment of each country. History shows that Greece is one of 
America's greatest allies, from the passing of the ancients' democratic 
philosophy to the modern Hellenic Republic's fighting alongside the USA 
in every major struggle since its inception.
  Long before the United States took on the Nazis in WWII, the only 
countries standing in the way of the Nazi onslaught were Greece and the 
United Kingdom. Greece paid a dear price for its steadfastness, losing 
10 percent of her entire population, and nearly all of the ancient 
Jewish Community of Thessaloniki. The heroic acts of the Greeks were 
evident everywhere, from the daring removal of the Nazi flag that 
floated above the Acropolis, to the unparalleled resistance movement 
that resulted in the first defeat of an Axis Army when the Greeks 
pushed Mussolini's troops across the Albanian frontier.
  Greece has come a long way in 188 years. In 2004 Greece did an 
outstanding job hosting the Olympics. She has been an important ally in 
the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and is the beacon of democracy in the 
Balkans, serving as one of the largest investors, business and job 
creators throughout all of Southeastern Europe.
  Greece is a proven democracy and proven ally of the United States. 
Greece is a country that can be counted on to support the high ideals 
of freedom and liberty, and is and always has been a staunch American 
ally.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with several of my 
colleagues this evening in celebrating the 188th anniversary of Greek 
Independence from the Ottoman Empire. Tonight is also a celebration of 
a society that represents, in a historical sense, the origins of what 
we call Western culture, and, in a contemporary sense, one of the 
staunchest defenders of Western society and values.
  In celebrating this anniversary, I am reminded of comments made 
nearly two centuries ago, by Massachusetts Congressman Daniel Webster. 
Congressman Webster spoke of the noble fight that would end 400 years 
of rule by the Ottoman Empire.
  Webster stated, `These [Greek] people, a people of intelligence, 
ingenuity, refinement, spirit, and enterprise, have been for centuries 
under the atrocious and unparalleled Tartarian barbarism that ever 
oppressed the human race.'
  The world has greatly benefited from Greek civilization and owes to 
them the values of democracy that we hold dear. In the years since 
Greek Independence, Americans and Greeks have grown ever closer, bound 
by ties of strategic and military alliance, common values of democracy, 
individual freedom, human rights and close personal friendship.
  Mr. Speaker, while we celebrate Greek Independence this evening, it's 
also important we recognize that Greeks continue to battle oppression 
from present day Turkey in Cyprus

[[Page 8431]]

and that Greeks living in Turkey today continue to face discrimination.
  Just as Greece gained its independence 188 years ago this month, it 
is now important that our nation work with the United Nations and with 
the government of Cyprus to once again unify the island and protect the 
rights of Greeks everywhere.
  Over the past few years, I have become deeply concerned that our 
government's actions and policies towards Cyprus will make it more 
difficult to reunify a nation that has been broken apart for more than 
three decades. I was disappointed that the previous administration's 
U.S. Department of State opened its fly zone with the occupied part of 
Cyprus. I was also concerned that the State Department resumed trade 
with the occupied north through ports that were declared closed after 
the invasion in 1974. This action ignored Cyprus' domestic law, as well 
as international law that prohibits entering Cyprus through an illegal 
port in the north.
  Mr. Speaker, we now have a new Administration and a new Secretary of 
State. I am encouraged that we can take tangible steps to solve the 
problems in Cyprus through reunifying the Country. I will continue to 
encourage Secretary Clinton to take a historic look at the Cyprus 
problem over the past 34 years. It's important to look at this problem 
through the perspective of three decades of illegal actions on the 
Turkish side.
  As we celebrate Greek Independence and the cultural gifts that the 
Greek community has given to the world, I remain deeply dismayed by 
Turkey's continued discrimination against Greeks today in Turkey. I am 
glad that Secretary Clinton, on her recent visit to Turkey, discussed 
the issues of Ankara's refusal to recognize the Ecumenical status of 
the Greek Orthodox Patriarch. The United States cannot let Turkey 
continue these abuses of religious freedoms.
  The Department of State's 2008 Human Rights Report on Turkey lists a 
litany of abuses including systematic dismantling of property rights, 
limited education opportunities, and vandalism of religious properties 
of Greeks living in Turkey. This report shows that minorities are 
treated like second-class citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that the United States can reverse its 
prior path. We must work with the international community to ensure 
that one day soon, like Greece, the island of Cyprus will be unified 
and free. We must work to make sure that Greeks do not face 
discrimination in Turkey.
  Tonight, I applaud the determination Greek's showed 188 years ago to 
overcome the Ottoman Empire, and restore democracy in the place of its 
birth.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, as an original cosponsor of H. Res. 273 
and a co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic 
Issues, I rise today to celebrate the 188th anniversary of Greece's 
declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire.
  Against incredibly difficult odds, the Greeks defeated one of the 
most powerful empires in history to win 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 against the Ottoman army.
  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's 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 for Greece.
  New York City is home to the largest Hellenic population outside 
Greece and Cyprus.
  Western Queens, which I have the honor of representing, is often 
called Little Athens because of the large Hellenic population in that 
neighborhood.
  New Yorkers celebrate Greek Independence Day with a parade on Fifth 
Avenue in Manhattan, along with many cultural events and private 
gatherings.
  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 contributions to our nation's 
history and culture.
  I am also pleased that President Obama is continuing the tradition of 
holding a White House celebration in honor of Greek Independence Day.
  My fellow co-chair Representative Bilirakis and I sent a letter last 
month urging the President to recognize this truly important day.
  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 agreeable name for the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia.
  Additionally, I strongly support the inclusion of Greece in the Visa 
Waiver Program. Greece is the only member of the original fifteen 
European Union nations not to belong to the Visa Waiver Program.
  I, along with my colleagues, will continue to work to ensure that the 
process for Greece's entry into the Visa Waiver Program continues to 
move forward.
  Additionally, I have recently reintroduced legislation which urges 
Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical 
Patriarchate.
  It is time for this suppression of religious freedom to come to an 
end and for Turkey to move in the direction of freedom and democracy.
  I ask the nation to join me in celebrating Greece's independence.
  Additionally, it is my sincere pleasure to pay tribute to New York's 
Hellenic-American community for its many contributions to our city and 
nation.
  ``Zeto E Eleftheria!'' (Long Live Freedom!)
  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 273 and 
to honor the people of Greece on the 188th anniversary of their 
independence. This occasion is truly a celebration of the shared 
traditions and values of American and Greek democracy.
  Over a million Americans, including the family of my husband Paul, 
claim Greek heritage. This vibrant community contributes to the fabric 
of our nation and further reinforces the bond between the United States 
and Greece.
  I had the opportunity to visit Greece just last year as part of a 
Congressional Delegation to the region and saw firsthand the progress 
Greece has made in bringing prosperity to its people.
  Greece has also stepped forward on the international stage to assist 
others in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Through their active 
engagement in international peacekeeping efforts, the Greek people have 
shown their leadership on the world stage as well as their commitment 
to the democratic ideals we share.
  Our common values have built an unbreakable bond between our two 
nations. This bond stretches back to the founding of our country and 
the establishment of the modern Greek state.
  It is only fitting that the House of Representatives celebrate the 
188th anniversary of Greek independence; express support for the 
principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are 
committed; and honor the contributions of Greece to the global 
community throughout its 188 years as an independent nation.
  As an original cosponsor of this important resolution, I urge my 
colleagues to support H. Res. 273 to honor the 188th anniversary of 
Greek independence and to recognize the essential role that Greek 
culture has played in the development of democracy around the world.
  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the glorious 
contributions of Greek civilization to the world, and to congratulate 
the people of Greece on the 188th anniversary of their independence.
  I can speak no more simply than Edith Hamilton who wrote in her 
classic 1930 study of Greek civilization that ``the Greeks came into 
being and the world, as we know it, began.''
  I stand here as the Member of an institution whose very existence is 
owed to the Greek imagination and beneath a dome supported by columns 
of Greek inspiration. The principles of democratic governance, the ones 
which our Founders drew upon heavily to establish this republic, were 
first expounded upon in ancient Greece, and it is to that first age of 
reason that all democratic civilizations owe a debt of gratitude.
  But it was not only the political philosophy of Greek civilization 
that left its mark on the world. One cannot walk the streets of this 
city without noticing its obvious tribute to the architecture of our 
democratic forebears. Stone columns line our most important buildings 
and stand guard our most cherished documents.
  In addition to the philosophical and physical structures we honor in 
our own time from Greece, we also pay tribute on this day to its legacy 
in the arts and sports. The epic of Homer, the poetry of Pericles, 
Pindar and Aeschylus, the comedy of Aristophanes, the history of 
Herodotus, the Olympics and the marathon--any simple recitation will be 
incomplete and not wholly do justice to the accomplishments of 
centuries. But, let it be said that time has shown the greats of their 
time to be the greats of all time.

[[Page 8432]]

  Our more recent histories our bound together as well. Just as our 
independence was a tribute to the ideas of ancient Greece, so too was 
Greek independence inspired by the American Revolution. Greek Commander 
in Chief Petros Mavromichalis, 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.''
  Since that kind and graceful message so long ago, the relationship 
between the United States and Greece--allies in times of both peace and 
conflict--grows stronger. Generations of Greek-Americans have 
maintained their traditions here, just as other civilizations for 
centuries have passed on the guiding lights of Ancient Greece. I am 
proud to join the Greek-Americans of New York's Second District in 
celebrating the 188th anniversary of their independence day.
  Mr. WEXLER. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 273.
  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, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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