Michael Bilirakis: “March 25 is a very special day to Greek-Americans and those who practice the Greek Orthodox faith--as well as…”

“March 25 is a very special day to Greek-Americans and those who practice the Greek Orthodox faith--as well as freedom-loving people everywhere, really. This year, it marks both the 173d anniversary of the independence of Greece and its role as the wellspring of democracy. Mr. Speaker, it is a magnificent thing to see so many people the world over turning to democratic movements in the wake of fallen or overthrown dictatorships and tyrannies. The practice of democratic government, first seen in Athens in 510 B.C., is being sought out and implemented around the world, expanding the frontier of freedom farther and farther every day. Those democratic movements owe a great debt of gratitude to the ancient Greeks such as Aristotle and Polybius, who were democracy's pioneers, as do we here in this Nation. I am never more proud of my own Greek heritage--or of being an American--than on days such as this one.”