WASHINGTON, DC –
The American Hellenic Institute, in conjunction with the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH), hosted its annual “Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day” to celebrate the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence, on April 2.
The celebration featured remarks from the Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Ekaterini Nassika and Members of Congress, including Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Gabe Amo (D-RI), Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA), and Rep. George Latimer (D-NY). Written remarks were also provided by Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
“The event attended by members of the Greek American community, congressional staff, executive branch staff, students, and stakeholders, highlighted the democratic ideals shared between the American Revolution and the Greek Revolution, the increasingly strong relationship between the U.S. and Greece, and the importance of the Greek American community.
AHI thanked the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues as well as its members for their support of the event and gave a special recognition to Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ) for his assistance in reserving a room through the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Gus Bilirakis
“Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and established this great republic—the ‘Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave’—Greek freedom fighters began an arduous struggle more than 200 years ago to win independence for Greece and its people”, noted Congressman Gus Bilirakis, stressing that “by honoring the Greek struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideals that make our nation great. Democracy, freedom, and the unyielding pursuit of self-rule are principles that bind us across generations and borders”.
“As someone who cherishes both my Greek and American heritages, I am especially proud of the shared emphasis on freedom and democracy. We celebrate Greek Independence Day to reaffirm our common democratic heritage and to honor the enduring bond between our nations”, he continued saying, adding that “as Americans, we must continue to uphold the spirit of freedom and liberty that defines both Greece and the United States”.
Chris Pappas
“On this Greek Independence Day, I continue to be inspired by the Greek people’s brave fight for freedom from the Ottoman Empire’s long occupation. As Americans work to navigate the challenges of the modern world and uphold the democratic values that fueled our own independence movement, we can learn a lot from Greece’s struggle for sovereignty, just as their revolutionary heroes learned from ours”, said Congressman Chris Pappas.
“The Hellenic community around the world carries on the spirit of independence as they advocate for justice and the promise of a better tomorrow. The parallel destinies of our nations compel us to ensure the rights of life, liberty, and happiness for all. We must never forget the Greek revolutionaries, their role in the fight for freedom, or the legacy they passed down to subsequent generations to follow”, he added.
Chris Van Hollen
“As two of the most important countries in the history of democracy, the United States and Greece share a special relationship – and our partnership now is the strongest it has ever been”, stressed U.S. Senator Chris Van Holen noting that “in addition to our strong economic ties, as a NATO ally, Greece has anchored a productive defense partnership in the Mediterranean. Together, we have helped Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s unprovoked aggression in Ukraine and promoted security for all in the Mediterranean Sea”.
“As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I’m committed to strengthening that partnership. I also believe that we must continue to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties with Cyprus, another key ally in the Mediterranean.
Together, we can keep working to ensure our collective security and bolster the economic, cultural, and the people-to-people ties that bring so much value to Greece, the United States, and all of our friends around the world”, he added.
