On the recordMarch 25, 2010
I rise today to commemorate the 189th anniversary of the day in 1821 when the people of Greece declared independence from the Ottoman Empire, launching the country's heroic 8-year struggle to end centuries of political, religious and cultural repression of their proud and ancient culture. This is a truly cherished milestone for the Greek people, Greek Americans, and for all the friends of Greece around the globe. The ancient Greeks developed the concept of democracy, in which the supreme power to govern is vested in the people, and it was based on this political model and philosophy that our Founding Fathers formed our democratic republic. Today, our two nations are not only faithful allies, but also close friends bound by a shared heritage of democratic values and together we are at the forefront of freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and human rights. Nearly two centuries after the rebirth of Greek independence, there is much to celebrate, but there are also many significant challenges which we face in the 21st century.
