[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4508]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2013

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the anniversary 
of Greek Independence Day, in recognition of the courageous revolution 
that freed the people of Greece from the Ottoman Empire and established 
the modern Hellenic Republic. We come together to recognize Greek 
Independence in advance this year because the U.S. Congress will not be 
in session on March 25th.
  There is no doubt that Greece's struggle for freedom from the Ottoman 
Empire is one which inspired the world. Carrying out a bold and 
inspired revolution, the people of Greece set an example for others in 
the region and globally. Their commitment to genuine self-determination 
made it possible for millions to determine their own future rather than 
continue a pattern of subjugation.
  And, since establishing diplomatic relations with the United States, 
Greece has joined our own country in many cooperative endeavors, 
including during World War II in the fight against fascism. Today, the 
United States and Greece are not only partners in commerce, but have 
forged international alliances in many areas, including business, 
tourism and international security.
  Greece has also been a source of immigrant communities that have 
helped build the United States, and Greek-Americans proudly contribute 
to our society in the arts, sciences, business, politics and sports.
  There can be no doubt that Greece faces tough times. The economic 
downturn has created difficult and ongoing challenges and hardships. 
Yet, the spirit of Greek Independence is alive and well in Greece and 
throughout the diaspora. I have no doubt that Greece is going to come 
back stronger than ever. I am proud to call Greece and the Greek people 
friends and allies, and the United States cherishes a continued 
friendship based on mutual values and trust.

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