Benjamin Gilman: “I'm pleased to be able to rise to speak on this occasion which marks a day of historical significance for Americans and…”

“I'm pleased to be able to rise to speak on this occasion which marks a day of historical significance for Americans and all who revere the blessings which a democratic way of life have afforded us. I thank the gentleman from Florida for organizing this special order, and I wish to let him know how much we appreciate his efforts in the House to keep Hellenic issues before us. On March 25th, Greece will celebrate the 176th anniversary of its declaration of independence from foreign domination. We revere and honor the contribution that Greek civilization has made to our democratic traditions. The cause of Greek independence and the adherence of the Greek nation to the path of democracy and true respect for the will of the people to determine their political course has always been dear to the hearts of democrats everywhere. Modern Greece rekindled the flame of democracy that first burned in the hearts of the citizens of ancient Athens when it threw off the tyrannical yoke of the Ottoman overlords in 1821, an act that inspired all the peoples of Europe and this hemisphere.”