Tribute to Greek Independence Day

TRIBUTE TO GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY -- HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (Extensions of Remarks - March 28, 2006)

HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
OF MARYLAND
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, March 28, 2006

* Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 185th anniversary of Greek independence and to celebrate the long friendship shared between the people of Greece and the United States of America.

* Greece and the United States are forever linked by common values and political philosophy. In the formative years of our Republic, the founding fathers looked to the shining example set by ancient Greece whose political institutions and democratic ideals were the foundation upon which were based many of the political freedoms and traditions Americans enjoy today.

* In 1821, as our American experiment with democracy blossomed, we proudly stood in support of the new Greek republic emerging from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. Petros Mavromichalis, a founder of the modern Greek state, said to the citizens of the United States in 1821, ``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.'' As the Greek state took shape, Presidents Adams, Madison and Jefferson joined a nation of grateful Americans in an expression of encouragement and good wishes. Ever since, Greece and the United States have enjoyed a strong cultural, commercial and strategic partnership.

* The Greek people have stood with us during every major American military action. The citizens of the United States will never forget how during World War II, Greece in the historic Battle of Crete, presented the Axis powers with their first major setback, setting in motion a chain of events that would significantly affect the outcome of World War II.

* And today the Greek people are standing beside us still, this time in Afghanistan where they have not only dedicated financial and logistical support to the NATO effort there, they are also playing an important role in helping to physically secure the country.

* Thomas Jefferson referred to ancient Greece as the light which led ourselves out of Gothic darkness. On the occasion of the 185th anniversary of Greek independence, I join all Americans in wishing the people of Greece congratulations and best wishes. We will remain eternally grateful to the Greek people and the legacy of ancient Greece for the shining example it set for democracies the world over.

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