On the recordMarch 9, 2010
Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor the 189th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. We are also celebrating today Greece's entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which is a strong affirmation of the close ties between our two nations. The American people and the people of Greece have been united by common values from the very beginning. Democracy, liberty, freedom, and the idea that the individual should have a say in the workings of society are the values we share and are the foundations upon which both of our great nations have been built and have prospered. It is no coincidence, therefore, that Greece and the United States have stood by each other's side in every major struggle. After all, our two great nations are the historical pillars of democracy: Greece as creator and America as promoter. By passing this resolution today, we commemorate the struggle of the Greek people to secure their freedom and to establish the modern Hellenic Republic.
