Political Quotes

“Nearly 73 years ago, as countries across Europe were falling to Hitler's forces, an emissary from Mussolini arrived in Athens to demand the Greeks surrender and allow the Axis forces to occupy that country. In response, the Greeks courageously replied, ``oxi,'' or ``no.'' The Axis forces quickly descended on Greece, but they failed to anticipate the courage of the Hellenic people, who led a passionate resistance in defense of their freedom and their beloved country. On the island of Crete, for example, with only broomsticks and plowshares as weapons, women and children held the Germans at bay for 10 days, breaking the back of the assault. The story of this bravery has largely been overlooked in the history books, but the Greek refusal to surrender proved to be one of the most decisive moments in the war. As Winston Churchill said: If there had not been the virtue and courage of the Greeks, we do not know what the outcome of World War II would have been. On August 28, Greeks around the world celebrate Oxi Day to honor the great legacy of the Greek people and share with the world the story of their bravery. I commend them and say, ``Happy Oxi Day.'' ____________________”