Washington, D.C. –Nearly two million Americans claim Greek ancestry. Representatives Bilirakis and Pappas who serve as Co-Chairs of the Hellenic Caucus are joined by their colleagues, including: Representatives Pappas, Malliotakis, Pallone, Titus, Sarbanes, Meng and Magaziner in sponsoring a resolution to commemorate the 203rd anniversary of Greek Independence. The resolution emphasizes the hard-fought struggle for independence of the Greek people, and the historic and dynamic relationship that defines the deep American-Hellenic ties.
“It is with great pride that I recognize the 203rd Anniversary of Greek Independence and celebrate Greek and American democracy. Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and established this great republic we call the ‘Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave’, Greek freedom fighters began an arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and its people 203 years ago. The lessons the Greeks taught us then continue to provide strength to victims of persecution throughout the world today. By honoring the Greek struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideas that make our nation great. Each time I perform my constitutional duties, I am doing so in the legacy of the ancient Greeks and our American forefathers. We celebrate Greek independence to reaffirm the common democratic heritage we share. As Americans, we must continue to pursue this spirit of freedom and liberty that characterizes both great nations,” said Congressman Bilirakis.
“It’s my pleasure to join my fellow Greek-Americans and colleagues of the Hellenic Caucus in commemorating the upcoming 203rd anniversary of Greek Independence,” said Congressman Pappas. “This day marks the beginning of the Greeks’ fight for freedom and serves as a reminder of their courage and determination for independence after nearly 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire. Greece’s fight for sovereignty mirrors the United States’ own fight for independence and further unites our nations with a shared commitment to freedom and to democracy. As we recognize the anniversary of Greek Independence, we honor those lost in the pursuit of freedom.”
“As the daughter of a Greek immigrant from the island of Crete, I’m proud to join my colleagues in commemorating the 203rd anniversary of Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “Today Americans share many of the same values as our Greek brothers and sisters, including patriotism, a strong work ethic, and the love for freedom, democracy, and opportunity. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue strengthening the bilateral relations between our two countries.”
“The United States remains steadfast in our bipartisan support for Greece. With this bill, we congratulate Greece on their Independence Day, demonstrate our countries’ shared work together in the past, and commit to our strong partnership now and in the future,” said Congressman Pallone. “I look forward to many more years of friendship between our countries.”
“As a member of the Hellenic Caucus and proud Greek-American, I am excited to join colleagues from both sides of the aisle in recognizing the 203rd anniversary of Greek Independence,” said Rep. Dina Titus. “Greece is the birthplace of modern democracy and together the United States and Greece have been a beacon of those democratic values around the world. I look forward to the continued growth of our partnership.”
“As a Greek American, I take special pride in joining my colleagues to recognize the 203rd anniversary of Greek Independence,” said Rep. Sarbanes. “The stories of Greece and America are intertwined. The Greeks developed the concept of democracy that inspired our political system and the ideals enshrined in the U.S. Declaration of Independence influenced Greece’s fight for self-determination. I am proud of our countries’ continued friendship and steadfast partnership in promoting peace and stability worldwide.”
“Queens is home to a vibrant Greek community, making me even more proud to celebrate Greek independence each year,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06). “As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I am committed to continuing to strengthen the bond between our countries. I join my colleagues in congratulating Greece on 203 years of independence as we look forward to many years of continued friendship.”
“It’s an honor to represent a strong and vibrant Greek American community in Rhode Island, who makes countless positive contributions to our state and country,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “Greece is a vital ally of the United States, and I will continue to work together to strengthen ties between our two nations and promote our shared democratic values on the international stage.”
