Sean Patrick Maloney: “I rise with my colleague and dear friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), with whom we founded and co-chair…”

“I rise with my colleague and dear friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), with whom we founded and co-chair the Hellenic Caucus here in Congress; and I rise with him today to celebrate the 182nd anniversary of Greece's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire. As many of my colleagues may know, New York City is the home of the largest Hellenic population outside of Greece and Cyprus; and historic Queens, which I have the honor of representing, is often called Little Athens because of the large influence from Greece and Cyprus in that neighborhood. I rise today to pay tribute along with the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) to the Hellenic American community, not only in the 14th Congressional District but in the entire country, for their many contributions to America; and also I rise to honor the Federation of Hellenic Societies, which will lead the Greek Independence Day Parade in Manhattan, again in my district, that pays tribute to the Olympic spirit.”