Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I do rise today to mark the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. This is really an historic event. It is of great significance. It took place on the Island of Crete during World War II. This was between Nazi forces and the people of Crete who were assisted by the allied armies. I would like to rise today also to recognize the heroic efforts of the people of Crete that were exhibited not only during the battle itself, but during the subsequent 4-year occupation of Crete by Nazi forces. At the outset of the war, Adolf Hitler had not intended to invade the Island of Crete. It was when Italian forces were unable to overtake the Greek forces on the Greek mainland that Hitler decided he would assist. Soon after Greece fell to German forces, Hitler was convinced by others to make Crete his next target. Let me just talk a moment about the significance of the Island of Crete. It is the largest of the Greek islands, about 160 miles long. It varies in its width from about 7.5 miles to 35 miles. At the outbreak of World War II, Crete lay at a very strategic position for both the Allies and the Axis powers.”