Political Quotes

“in commemoration of March 25, 1997, the 176th anniversary of Greek independence from oppressive Ottoman rule, I would like to acknowledge and honor the tremendous contributions that the Greek people have made to the world. The invaluable scientific, philosophical, and cultural gifts of the Greek people are countless, and all have come in spite of the historical adversity this determined nation has faced. March 25, 1821, marked the Greek Declaration of Independence, a day ending almost 400 years of subjugation and persecution at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Deprived of civil rights, as well as access to the educational and religious institutions for which they were famous, the Greeks waged a valiant war of independence to reacquire for themselves the vital rights they themselves had established for the rest of the world to enjoy. The hard-won victory for independence has been followed by continuous adversity which the Greeks have repeatedly overcome and still been able to thrive. Greece has been a true friend to America and has aligned with the United States for every major conflict in the 20th century. This loyalty and dedication to the tenets of freedom did not come at a cheap price--over 600,000 Greeks lost their lives in World War II while fighting against the Axis Powers.”