Greek Independence Day
GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY
Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I rise today to support the designation of March 25, 2003, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
As in previous years, I welcome the opportunity to honor the democratic values and lasting friendship that bind our nations. Our common struggle to protect freedom and democracy at home and around the world has forged a strong partnership between Greece and the United States, a partnership which is critical to meeting today's challenges.
On the international front, Greece has played an important role in Operation Enduring Freedom and is now working with its European Union partners to support the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Greece continues to be a leader in bringing stability to the Balkans and in guiding the countries of this former region of conflict toward the community of democracies in Europe. Greece has been a steadfast ally in the fight against international terrorism, responding to every request for assistance in tracking and disrupting terrorist networks.
Greece has been actively pursuing security on the home front as well. In the last year, we welcomed the arrest in Greece of 19 suspected members of "November 17," a terrorist group responsible for approximately 120 criminal acts over a 27-year period, including the murder of Greeks, Americans, and citizens of other countries. For too many years, this case remained unsolved and the criminals unpunished. I am heartened by the efforts of the Government of Greece to move quickly to prosecute the suspects. The authorities in Greece must now accelerate efforts to bring charges against those suspects responsible for the 1983 killing of CAPT George Tsantes, USN, who is survived by his wife Thalia Panos; his sons George K. Tsantes, III, and Nicolas P. Tsantes; and by his daughter Stephanie Tsantes, a distinguished citizen of the State of Delaware. Prosecution of this and other such cases will, I hope, bring a measure of closure and justice to all the families of the victims of "November 17."
Greece is now preparing to host the Summer Olympics in 2004a challenge under the best of circumstances, a Herculean task in today's security environment. Working with the international community, including the United States, Greece has made unprecedented efforts to provide for safe and secure Olympic Games in 2004. And it has done so with great attention to preserving its 3,000 year-old cultural patrimony, the glory of the Hellenic past and present.
Greece has wisely chosen the theme "Our Europe: Sharing the Future in a Community of Values" to define its current term in the rotating Presidency of the European Union. In emphasizing the enlargement and transformation of the European Union, Greece will lead the efforts to create an even stronger European partner of the United States, a partner committed to protecting and promoting the fundamental values of freedom and democracy.
In designating March 25, 2003, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, we honor both a proud heritage and our commitment to continued partnership and cooperation.
Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, today we honor the 182nd anniversary of the independence of Greece. Nearly two centuries ago a band of determined and courageous Greek patriots rose against tremendous odds to end nearly four centuries of oppressive foreign domination of their homeland. Their arduous struggle continued for 8 years, until independence was at last secured in 1829, and the first steps were taken toward the establishment of the modern Greek state.
Our Founding Fathers drew heavily on the political experience and philosophy of the ancient Greeks, who first developed the principles of democratic government that vest the supreme governing authority in the people. Barely a generation later, Greek patriots turned to the American Revolution for inspiration, seeing in the success of the new American Republic the promise of their own future.
For nearly 200 years, the American and Greek peoples have shared a profound commitment to democratic principles, and have worked to create societies built on these principles. The United States and Greece have stood together in every major struggle for freedom and democracy: through two devastating World Wars, and through the long decades of the cold war. Today they are joined in the fight against terrorism, notably as Greece moves in cooperation with U.S. and international law enforcement agencies to root out and dismantle the November 17 terrorist organization and bring its members to justice.
Greece today is a vigorous and prosperous democracy, a solid partner of the United States, a full member of NATO and of the European Union. Currently serving as President of the EU, Greece has focused its efforts on promoting peace and stability in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean. For many nations in these regions seeking to develop viable economic systems and democratic institutions, Greece serves as a model. Greece has worked hard and with extraordinary success in recent years to expand cross-cultural understanding and reduce longstanding tensions in the Greek-Turkish relationship. Indeed, in recognition of its expanding role in the world community, Greece was chosen to host the next Olympic games, which are scheduled to take place in Athens in 2004 and which will bring millions of visitors to Greece from all over the world.
There is another essential aspect to the U.S.-Greece partnership: the distinctive contributions that Greek Americans have made to every aspect of our Nation's life, in the arts, in business, in science, in medicine, in scholarship. Greek immigrant families to this country brought with them the traditional values of commitment to family and church, hard work and education, and Greek Americans have carried these values forward; they have helped to strengthen and invigorate communities everywhere across the land.
Greek Independence Day is a time of celebration, and also a moment for reflection. We see the many ways in which our country and Greece are drawn together, and we see how the past and the present are joined. Thinking back to the first steps toward Greek independence, on March 25, 1821, we are mindful of the long and twisting road traveled; of the courage and sacrifice of those who have worked over the decades to make Greece the democratic and prosperous nation it is today; of the fundamental importance in our lives of the democratic institutions, first conceived and created by the ancient Greeks, that are the bedrock of our society and the guarantee of freedom for peoples around the world.
Never have these institutions been more important to us. We revere and rejoice in them, and we commit ourselves once again to making them our legacy to the generations yet to come.
Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 182nd anniversary of Greek Independence that will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 25. It was on this day, March 25, 1821, that Greek patriots rose up against their Ottoman subjugators and began an 8-year struggle that culminated in a new Greek Republic in 1829.
On this day, it is fitting that we reflect on the enormous contributions the Greek people have made to the modern world. The legacy of the ancient Greeks, in the fields of philosophy, literature, drama, sculpture, and architecture, continues to influence our beliefs, our values, and our concept of art. Our own democratic principles have their very foundation in the practices of the ancient Greece republic. Indeed, the ancient Greeks developed the concept of democracy, in which the supreme power to govern was vested in the people.
Greek ideology also had a profound effect on our Founding Fathers, who modeled the American Government upon the principles of Greek democracy. Thomas Jefferson studied the Greek classics in his youth and was inspired by their philosophy throughout his life, most dramatically when he crafted the Declaration of Independence. When formulating his vision for this country, Jefferson specifically referred to the integrated assertions, theories, and aims of the classic Greek world.
Our admiration for Greece continues into the modern day. Greece and the United States are at the forefront of the effort for freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and human rights, forging a close bond between the two Nations. We share a partnership with Greece in NATO, and our countries are linked forever by close family relationships between our peoples. Our Nation looks forward to working closely with Greece in the coming years as we examine ways to bring full peace, stability, and prosperity to all the nations of Europe and the world.
As we celebrate Greek independence, we remember the history of those who sacrificed their lives to preserve freedom and democracy. We value our friendship and continuing partnership with the Government and people of Greece, and we commit to work together to provide greater opportunity and more freedoms for the citizens of the world. And we join the world in anticipating the momentous 2004 Summer Olympic Games, which will be held in Athens, the birthplace of the Olympic tradition.
I am proud to join many of my colleagues as a cosponsor of Senate Resolution 214 which designates March 25, 2003 "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy." I give Greek Americans my best wishes as they celebrate Greece's independence.
Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize two Oregon-based humanitarian organizations that are preparing to offer aid to the Iraqi citizens who may be displaced or who are facing hardships as a consequence of Saddam Hussein's intransigence and military events in Iraq.
Mercy Corps, an international relief and development organization, exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression around the world. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided more than $640 million in assistance to 75 nations. Mercy Corps primarily works in countries in transition from war or natural disaster or in the midst of extreme economic or social transition. This group offers humanitarian assistance not only to meet basic needs, but helps lay the foundation for peace by building local capacity and a just, inclusive civil society.
Mercy Corps is already mobilizing an expanded relief effort that will deliver $20 million in aid to Iraq. Relief supplies for as many as 700,000 displaced people will include crucial water, food, sanitation supplies, shelter, medical care and basic items like blankets and cooking supplies. Mercy Corps is already delivering critical medical care, shelter and reconstruction services to thousands of displaced people in northern Iraq.
In addition, Mercy Corps is working with a consortium of other international partners, including the UN, to coordinate efforts to alleviate any humanitarian crisis that might arise in Iraq.
Representatives of northwest Medical Teams International (NWMTI), also headquartered in Portland, are meeting this week with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to focus on the delivery and distribution of medical care, food, clean water and shelter for displaced Iraqis. Northwest Medical Teams International seeks to demonstrate the love of Christ to those in crisis by sending volunteer medical and response teams, distributing humanitarian aid, and providing community development programs and children's ministries. In particular, the organization provides assistance to vulnerable people suffering from the consequences of war, famine, epidemics, poverty, physical illness, deformities and natural disasters. Since 1979, NWMTI has sent teams or supplies to more than 40 countries.
Northwest Medical Teams has a staff physician in Iraq, and three local medical volunteers will be joining him to provide life-saving aid. The agency also has $40,000 in medicines to send with the team and will send $20,000 to procure supplies locally in Iraq. The volunteers will serve thousands of displaced people at three camps as soon as the areas are secure.
Northwest Medical Teams is also preparing to provide medicines, blankets and tents to large groups of Iraqis who might become displaced due to the ongoing armed engagement.
Both of these organizations have had volunteers and staff working in northern Iraq since the Persian Gulf War in 1991.