[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 244 Introduced in House (IH)]
108th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 244
To recognize and appreciate the historical significance and the heroic
human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II
and commend the PanCretan Association of America.
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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 20, 2003
Mrs. Maloney (for herself, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Pallone, Ms. Watson, Mr.
McGovern, Mr. Levin, Mr. Rush, Mr. McNulty, Mr. Doyle, Mr. Israel, Mr.
Lantos, and Mr. Tierney) submitted the following resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on International Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
To recognize and appreciate the historical significance and the heroic
human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II
and commend the PanCretan Association of America.
Whereas 2003 marks the 62nd anniversary of the heroic Battle of Crete, which
took place on the Greek island of Crete during World War II between Nazi
German forces and the people of Crete assisted by the Allied armies;
Whereas the people of Crete fought tenaciously during the Battle of Crete,
delaying for two months the Nazi German invasion of Russia;
Whereas this delay forced Nazi German forces to invade Russia in the face of the
brutal Russian winter, changing the final outcome of World War II and
leading to the defeat of fascism;
Whereas many historians agree that the Battle of Crete was one of the most
significant battles of World War II;
Whereas the Battle of Crete contributed to saving the free world from Nazi
German occupation, thus preserving democracy, freedom, and human
dignity;
Whereas the Cretan Resistance Movement was organized to fight the Nazi German
occupation of the island of Crete;
Whereas for 4 years, the Cretan Resistance Movement inflicted heavy casualties
upon Nazi German forces, including kidnaping a heavily-guarded Nazi
German General, setting an example for all of the people of Europe to
follow;
Whereas the people of Crete suffered savage reprisals for their heroic
resistance when the Nazi German invaders randomly executed thousands of
civilians and burned and destroyed entire communities;
Whereas many participants in the Battle of Crete and the Cretan Resistance
Movement later emigrated to the United States and became American
citizens; and
Whereas many of these citizens became members of the PanCretan Association of
America, an organization comprised of Greek Americans with ancestry from
the island of Crete and committed to preserving and promoting the rich
culture and proud history of Crete: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) observes the memory of the fallen heroes of the Battle
of Crete;
(2) honors the living men and women of Crete who, during
World War II, fought an oppressive invader to preserve the
ideals of freedom, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness; and
(3) commends the PanCretan Association of America for
preserving and promoting the history of Crete and its people.
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