Political Quotes

“Today I rise to honor and commemorate the 192nd anniversary of Greek Independence Day. 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 similarly began an arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and its people 192 years ago on March 25. The Greeks faced four centuries of Ottoman oppression, a David versus Goliath situation, if you will. Beginning their revolution on March 25 was no coincidence. This was the holy day dedicated to the mother of God, Theotokos; and as such, they had their champion, their savior, and their protector by their side. As Archbishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese, ``Eleftheria i Thanatos''--Liberty or Death--became their battle cry. As is true in our own country, the price of freedom was great, with brave men and women fighting for God and country in the hope of a better world for future generations. Our Greek brothers sacrificed much for their independence, and there are many stories which I could share to demonstrate the heroism they exhibited. Most Greeks will remember that of Athanasios Diakos, legendary hero, priest, patriot, and soldier who led 500 of his men in a notable stand against 8,000 Ottoman Turk soldiers.…”