Political Quotes

“I rise once again to join the Greek- American community as they celebrate the 173d anniversary of the beginning of their revolution for independence from under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire. I and 61 of my colleagues in the Senate joined together to commemorate this historic event by cosponsoring Senate Joint Resolution 162, a resolution commemorating March 25, 1994, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I am proud to say President Clinton has signed this resolution into law [Public Law 103-22]. From their first settlement in the 18th century in St. Augustine, FL, to one of the largest Greek communities in America, Astoria, NY, the Greek people have been an influential segment of American society. Their history, culture, language, religion, and of course native culinary artistry, have enriched America. Greece has contributed great things in the areas of arts, medicine, and education, but no contribution was more precious than that of democracy. Born in Athens, nurtured in the United States, the principles of democracy are now being practiced throughout Eastern Europe. This new wave of democracy would never have come to fruition had it not been for Hellenistic political thought. We will always be indebted to Greece for giving us this most precious gift. ____________________”