Recognizing and appreciating the historical significance and the heroic human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II and commending the PanCretan Association of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, the historic battle that contributed to the Allies' victory of World War II.

Because of its strategic location as part of the lifeline to India and its proximity to both Palestine and Egypt, both the Allies and Nazis wanted Crete. At that time the British controlled the island.

On May 20, 1941, the Nazi invasion force, including thousands of German paratroopers and glider troops began landing on Crete. Hitler felt this was to be an easy victory, yet he is quoted to have said shortly after the invasion, ``France fell in 8 days. Why is Crete free?''

During the 11-day invasion of Crete, more than 6,000 German troopers were listed as killed, wounded, or missing in action. The losses to the elite seventh parachute division marked the end of the German military's large-scale airborne operations.

This valiant fight by the Cretan people began in the first hour of the Nazi airborne invasion while other underground movements did not begin until a year or more after being invaded.

Young boys, old men, and women displayed breathtaking bravery in defending Crete. Because German soldiers were not accustomed to facing women in battle, they would tear the dress from the shoulders of suspected Cretan women to find bruises from the recoil of the rifle. The penalty was death. On July 28, 1941, The Times (London) reported that ``five hundred Cretan women have been deported to Germany for taking part in the defense of their native island.''

The German soldiers who invaded Crete also faced the heroic resistance of the clergy. A priest leading his parishioners into battle was not what the Germans anticipated. At Paleochora, Father Stylianos Frantzeskis, hearing of the German airborne invasion, rushed to his church, sounded the bell, took his rifle and marched his volunteers toward Maleme.

This struggle became an example for all Europe to follow in defying German occupation and aggression.

The Cretans paid a heavy price for their valiant resistance to Nazi forces with thousands of civilians executed, starved, or imprisoned. The Germans burned and destroyed entire communities as a reprisal for the Cretan resistance movement. Yet this resistance lasted for 4 years.

The Battle of Crete changed history by delaying Hitler's plan to invade Russia. The invasion was delayed from April to June of 1941. The 2-month delay in the invasion made Hitler's forces face the Russian winter. The Russian snowstorms and the subzero temperatures eventually stalled the Nazi invasion before they could take Moscow or Leningrad. This was the beginning of the downfall of the Nazi reign of terror.

We must always remember and honor this significant battle and the heroic drive of the Cretan people. Democracy came from Greece, and the Cretan heroes exemplified the courage it takes to preserve it.

To honor these heroes, I have introduced H. Res. 148, which recognizes and appreciates the historical significance and the heroic human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II and commends the PanCretan Association of America.

Today, the courage and fortitude of the Cretan people are seen in the members of the United Cretan Associations of New York which are located in Astoria, Queens.

I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the Cretans in the United States, Greece, and the diaspora.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 148) recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to

join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Con. Res. 148, a bill that recognizes the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

H. Res. 148, which has 53 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Barbara Lee of California on May 14, 2007. H. Con. Res. 148 was reported from the Oversight Committee on June 12, 2007, by a voice vote.

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month was established to recognize the historical relationship between people of the Caribbean and the United States of America. Caribbean Americans present a rich diversity of countries, cultures and colloquialisms which are dispersed throughout communities in the United States. Caribbean immigration to the United States reached its peak in the last 5 years, with approximately 6 percent of the more than 7 million immigrants coming from the Caribbean.

Since the founding of the United States, Caribbeans have had a significant role in shaping the conscience of America and are among our great leaders, entrepreneurs and entertainers, including such individuals as Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Colin Powell, James Weldon Johnson, Shirley Chisholm, Marion Jones, Juan Carlos Finlay, Oscar de la Renta, Malcolm X, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the founder of Chicago, Marcus Garvey, and many others.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for introducing this legislation and I urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, each year in June, we celebrate our strong relationship with the Caribbean nations and appreciate the value and diversity they bring to the United States. We value National Caribbean-American Heritage Month and encourage people from across the country to join with those of Caribbean-American roots in these celebrations. From as far back as the 17th century, citizens from the Caribbean have immigrated to the U.S. Many were slaves, who faced the same obstacles struggling for equality and independence.

We are a Nation of immigrants, and this bill emphasizes the many contributions of Caribbean immigrants to our society. Over 5 million Americans proudly share the Caribbean heritage in promoting and attending Caribbean-style festivals around the country. These festivals appreciate the rich culture, history and diversity brought forth through the joining of these two nations.

I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting passage of House Concurrent Resolution 148.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.