Recognizing the 187th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1024) recognizing the 187th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy, as amended.

Madam 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 under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and yield myself such time as may consume.

Madam Speaker, I am delighted to support this resolution marking the 187th anniversary of Greek independence, and I would like to thank my good friend and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Ros-Lehtinen, for her leadership in ensuring that the House mark this important date. The world owes the Greeks a debt of gratitude for having developed the concept of democracy, which has enabled so much of the world to live in peaceful prosperity.

The story of Greek independence remains a remarkable tale about the revival of an ancient and great people through deep commitment, personal sacrifice, and an abiding love of freedom. Indeed, Western Civilization is deeply indebted to the Greek nation for its immense contributions in the fields of science, medicine, philosophy and art, just to name a few.

In 2004, the world celebrated this rich history and heritage as the Summer Olympics came home to Greece. This beautiful Mediterranean country showcased the best of its culture and hospitality.

In modern times, Greece has remained one of the United States' most important and enduring allies. Greece is one of the relatively few nations that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States in every major war of the 20th century. The close links between our countries increased after World War II as the Truman Doctrine helped save Greece from communism, while the Marshall Plan aided its economic regeneration.

When Greece joined NATO in 1952, it formalized the deep mutual commitment that it shared with the Western world to safeguard freedom. After becoming a member of the European Union in 1981, Greece further deepened its relations with its European neighbors. It also underwent a notable economic transformation with the exchange of the drachma for the euro in 2002, highlighting its economic prosperity.

Greece has remained a strategic partner in the post-Cold War world, notably helping to promote peace and stability in the Balkans. The January 2008 visit by Greece Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to Turkey, the first such official visit in 49 years, was a welcome development in these countries' efforts to resolve their differences.

Since the tragic attacks on the United States on 9/11, Greece has remained a steadfast ally in the fight against violent extremism. Plagued for many years by domestic acts of terror, Greece knows only too well the financial, mental, and physical toll that terrorism can wreak on a nation.

In closing, it is also important to highlight the rich contributions that Greek immigrants and their descendants have made to the United States; I know this firsthand, representing a great number in the County of Queens, New York. For over a century, they have traveled across the ocean, bringing their success to our shores, and in doing so serving as a bridge between our two nations. Today, some 5 million Americans claim Greek ancestry. We are grateful for the wisdom, energy, and talent they continue to bestow upon our great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Greek people on the 187th anniversary of their independence from Ottoman rule. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them on their tremendous contributions to world civilization and in celebrating the enduring Greek-American friendship.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley) control the remaining portion of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and thank you, Representative Berkley, for those kind words on my grandparents' country. I am so proud of my Greek heritage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with great pride and in strong support of House Resolution 1024, recognizing the 187th anniversary of Greek independence and celebrating Greek and American democracy.

Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and established this great Republic we call the land of the free and the home of the brave, Greek freedom fighters began an arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and its people 187 years ago. When the Greeks began this glorious revolution after four centuries of Ottoman oppression, they faced what appeared to be insurmountable odds. It was David versus Goliath.

On March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of freedom and was the first to declare Greece free. This day of rebellion was not chosen by chance. This holy day was 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 emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. It was proved to the world that a united people through sheer will and perseverance can prevail against tyranny.

The lessons the Greeks taught us then continue to provide strength to victims of persecution around the world today. By honoring the Greek struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideas that make our Nation great. We also remember why freedom is so important.

In the history of the Greek war for independence, there were many acts of heroism. From Theodoros Kolokotronis, the leader of the Klephts, who refused to submit to Ottoman domination, to the fiercely patriotic women of Suli, who, left alone, learned that Turkish troops were fast approaching their village, they began to dance the Syrtos, a patriotic Greek dance. One by one, they committed suicide by throwing themselves and their children off a mountain top. They chose to die rather than surrender and face slavery.

There was also Athanasios Diakos, a legendary hero, a priest, a patriot, and a soldier. In full knowledge of their fatal fate, he led 500 of his men in a notable stand against 8,000 Ottoman soldiers. Diakos' men were wiped out and he fell into the enemy's hands, where he was tortured before his death. He is the image of a Greek that gave all for love of faith and homeland. Long live his memory.

Although many Greeks died, they were undeterred from their ultimate goal. ``Eleftheria I Thanatos,'' liberty or death, became their battle cry.

These legends underscore Greece's absolute commitment to independence. As we all know, the price of liberty can be very high, hundreds of thousands of lives. Socrates, Plato, Pericles and many other great minds throughout history warned that we maintain democracy only 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, as I said, my Greek and American heritage. Each time I perform my constitutional duties, I am doing so in the legacy of the ancient Greeks and our American forefathers.

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. And as Americans, we must continue to pursue this spirit of freedom and liberty that characterizes both of these great nations.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of House Resolution 1024. The Republic of Greece is an important friend and ally of the United States. The links between Greece and the United States involve political philosophy, values, a concrete alliance, and important actions. Greece is the birthplace of Western Civilization and modern democracy, and it is from Greece that our Founding Fathers drew so many important principles of government, law, and freedom. Today, our two nations continue to share the values that we hold dear: liberty, freedom, and democracy.

Greece and the United States have also stood together resolutely throughout difficult times during the last century, particularly during the Second World War. Greece, in fact, is one of the few nations that has supported America in every major conflict over the past century.

After the end of World War II, Greece joined in a formal alliance with the United States, through NATO, and went on to broaden its commitment to

democracy, freedom, and human rights through its notable contributions to international peacekeeping and stability missions.

Today, as America faces a complex array of threats posed by extremism around the world, Greece indeed remains a valuable strategic partner. Most notably, Greece provided access to its airspace for American military aircraft en route to Iraq and allowed our U.S. Navy ships to refuel in its ports.

Through its substantial economic investment and aid to the Balkans, Greece has also sought to play an important role as an agent of stability in that important region, supplementing the efforts by the United States and the European Union to end the conflicts in that region. Recent efforts on the part of the Government of Greece to deal constructively with its neighbor Turkey on outstanding issues where they have differences show hope for ensuring future stability throughout the Aegean Sea region, an outcome the United States seeks as well.

Madam Speaker, this resolution notes that this year marks the 187th anniversary of the beginning of the revolution that led to the independence of Greece. There are approximately 1.3 million Americans of Greek descent living in the United States. A large number of Greek Americans live in northern Illinois, particularly the Chicago area. Greek Americans contribute significantly as community leaders, entrepreneurs, and mentors for young children. The Greek Orthodox Church in the United States and important Greek community organizations are positive forces and should be recognized also.

So I welcome the opportunity afforded by our consideration of this resolution to point out the friendship and shared interests of our two countries. I congratulate the country and people of Greece for the progress they have made over the past 187 years, and I urge the adoption of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

I thank my colleague and friend for yielding and for her leadership.

As an original cosponsor of this legislation and co-Chair and founder of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic issues, I rise to celebrate the 187th 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 raised the traditional Greek flag at the monastery of Agia Lavras, inciting his countrymen to rise up against the Ottoman army. Bishop Germanos' message to his people was clear: A new spirit was about to born in Greece. The following year, the Treaty of Constantinople established full independence of Greece.

New York City is home to the largest Hellenic population outside of 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 down Fifth Avenue, along with many cultural events.

These events, hosted by the Federation of Hellenic Societies and other Hellenic and philhellenic organizations and friends, remind us of the strong Hellenic American community's many strong contributions to our Nation's history and culture. Relations between the U.S. 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.

We have over 110 cosponsors of my legislation, and with the upcoming NATO summit, the time is more important than ever to find a solution to the name dispute.

Additionally, I strongly support the inclusion of Greece in the Visa Waiver Program, and I have legislation before this body on this issue. Greece is the only member of the original 15 European nations not to belong to the Visa Waiver Program, and I was pleased that the administration formally nominated Greece for the Visa Waiver Program this September, and we will continue to monitor Greece's progress.

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, many contributions to our city and our Nation. ``Zeto E Eleftheria,'' long live freedom.

May we join in celebrating Greece's independence and its many contributions to our democracy through its form of government and its history.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1024, a resolution expressing support for the 187th anniversary of Greek independence.

Madam Speaker, it was one year to the day that I joined my colleagues on the House Floor in paying tribute to one of America's most important allies, Greece. It was my honor at that time as it is today to pay tribute once again to Greek Independence Day and to offer my unwavering support for US-Greece bilateral relations.

As someone who cares deeply about the issues of importance to the Greek American community, I believe this is an especially important day--one that is a reminder of America's long and historic partnership with Greece but also a day to celebrate the countless contributions of the Greek American community to this Nation.

From the Balkans to Afghanistan to the war on terrorism, Greece has been a staunch ally of the United States and a leading advocate for democracy and the rule of law globally. To that end, it is critical over the coming weeks that the United States works closely with our NATO ally Greece and with officials in Skopje to find a mutually- acceptable official name for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

I also strongly encourage the Bush administration to work with our partners in Athens to resolve the longstanding division on Cyprus. It is in the interests of the United States, European Union, Greece, Turkey as well as Greek and Turkish Cypriots that we build on the recent election of President Christofias who boldly pledged to ``extend a hand of friendship and cooperation to the Turkish Cypriots and their political leadership,'' and to ``invite them to work together towards our common goal for the good of Cyprus and its people.''

Madam Speaker, Greece is known as the cradle of democracy. As Americans watch one of the most exciting elections in modern history, it is a reminder of what Greece gave to America and those nations seeking to perfect their democracy and civic society. These ideals crafted by Greek philosophers and put into practice both in Washington, Athens and globally have changed all of humankind.

As a member of Congress who proudly represents a large Greek American community, I am deeply pleased that we have this opportunity on the House Floor to discuss the contributions of millions of Greek Americans and to pass a resolution that rightfully recognizes five million extraordinary citizens.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Greek people on the 187th anniversary of their independence and strongly support this resolution.