Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I want to join with my colleagues tonight to
pay special recognition to this anniversary of the independence of
Greece. This year, we join together again to honor the hard won
independence of a land that will forever hold a special place in
American culture. Also, I want to take this opportunity to thank
Representatives Bilirakis and Maloney for their efforts to organize the
House's celebration of this event tonight.
Mr. Speaker, more than 2,500 years ago the people of Greece began to
formulate the ideas that now serve as the foundation for our system of
government, science, philosophy, law, literature, and art. The gift of
Greek culture to the world, and the special debt this nation owes to
Greece, is priceless. The Greek tradition that began in the mists of
time with Homer led to the Golden Age and later to the intellectual and
aesthetic enrichment of the Roman Republic and Empire, the European
Renaissance, and our own nation's founding principles.
We also share with Greece the triumphant experience of fighting for
and winning independence. In 1821, after nearly 2,000 years of foreign
rule, the people of Greece rose up and declared their independence from
the Ottoman Empire. After nearly a decade of struggle, the Greek people
won their freedom. Their cause was celebrated throughout the democratic
world at the time, and continues to inspire us today.
Greece has contributed to this nation in other ways. It is difficult
to find areas of this country where Greek-Americans have not
contributed to the betterment of their communities. In my own area of
Southern California, the vibrant Greek-American community has enriched
all our lives. Recently, I was honored to take part in the annual
celebration of the Hellenic-American Council of Southern California. Through this and many other excellent organizations, the Greek-American community has made important contributions to the United States.
In the Second World War, Greeks fought with Americans to turn back
Nazi and Fascist aggression. After that war, Greece remained on the
side of freedom and democracy, serving as an early bulwark against the
spread of communist totalitarianism. The assistance provided to Greece
beginning under the Truman Doctrine and later continued within the NATO
alliance continued the strong link between our nations. This
cooperation continues today, as both nations face the instability in
the Balkans and other threats to peace in the region.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my sincere good wishes to the
people of Greece and those of Greek heritage on this happy occasion.