H976 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 19, 2002 Title 9 in this Chamber to enable our West Virginians, all different, were pio- 1987, this has been a great event for young girls to see opportunities that neers of their time. women to celebrate. they had not seen before in the fields of We know that democracy needs all So I am very pleased on behalf of our sports and other areas of education. We genders, races, religions and ethnicities colleagues to join in this request to have such a leader as the gentlewoman to participate in order to provide prop- have the House unanimously endorse from Hawaii (Mrs. MINK) with us today, er representation. As a mother and a the designation of March as National who is helping to groom the younger wife, I think I bring a different perspec- Women’s History Month for the year Members who are coming in and help- tive to the debate over issues than a 2002. ing them to learn the process of this husband or father would. Neither one is Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance august body. more right than the other, just dif- of my time. As we recognize Women’s History ferent. The plurality of these different Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield Month, it is the leaders such as the people working together as one govern- myself such time as I may consume. gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. MINK), ment can better serve West Virginia Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. and the rest of America. my colleague from Hawaii (Mrs. MINK) MORELLA) and others who have distin- I stand here today to celebrate all of for her wonderful statement and also guished themselves in this body. the bold actions and wonderful achieve- for the pioneering ways that you did Mr. Speaker, I last evening spoke to ments of the women who have gone be- that allowed me to come and be elected a group of women veterans in celebra- fore me. I ask my colleagues to stand this very first time to my first term in tion of this particular week dedicated up as we celebrate Women’s History Congress. I thank the gentlewoman for to women veterans. We find that Month and work to broaden our percep- her contributions, and I thank her in women have increased in our armed tions to include all of those who nor- joining me in celebrating March as services from about 7 percent to 14 per- mally could be excluded, especially in Women’s History Month. cent. They are now not only just the giving our sisters and daughters an op- I urge all of the Members to support nurses in our armed forces, but they portunity to serve their communities, this resolution and to reflect upon our serve now and are really flying fighter their States and their country. democracy. This special month creates planes in Afghanistan and other parts Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of an opportunity for all of us to remem- of the world, as we know, and see hot my time. ber the women who have played a crit- spots throughout the world. Certainly Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I ical role in the life of our great coun- women have positioned themselves on yield myself such time as I may con- try. the front lines of these very hot spots. sume. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Women have positioned themselves Mr. Speaker, as we ask this House to of my time. in high tech, in viewing tomorrow’s recognize Women’s History Month, I The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. era, in viewing tomorrow’s world, think it is important to know how this SIMPSON). The question is on the mo- where young women will become sci- whole project began. tion offered by the gentlewoman from entists and biologists. And so today I In 1970 women’s history was a very Maryland (Mrs. MORELLA) that the am happy to recognize Women’s His- fledgling idea. It was started by the House suspend the rules and agree to tory Month and to advance the leader- Education Task Force of Sonoma the resolution, H. Res. 371. ship of women throughout the globe County, California. A Commission on The question was taken. and to even put a spotlight on the the Status of Women was initiated and The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the women of this House, those who have they put together a Women’s History opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of been leaders for all of us. Week for that county. Our colleague, those present have voted in the affirm- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentlewoman from California (Ms. ative. myself such time as I may consume. WOOLSEY), told me early on of her par- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, on that I Mr. Speaker, today I stand here in ticipation in establishing and recog- demand the yeas and nays. support of Women’s History Month and nizing this week. There were many The yeas and nays were ordered. Resolution 371. Before 1970, women’s projects that people participated in. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- history was rarely the subject of seri- Finally, in 1979, the director of the ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the ous study. Since then, however, this Sonoma County Commission estab- Chair’s prior announcement, further field has undergone a metamorphosis. lished a Women’s History Institute, proceedings on this motion will be Today, almost every college offers and from there it grew and grew until postponed until tomorrow. women’s history courses and most March of 1980 when President Jimmy f major graduate programs offer doc- Carter issued a Presidential message to toral degrees in the field. the American people encouraging the SPECIAL ORDERS It is no secret that the representa- recognition and celebration of women’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under tion of women and men in government history all throughout America. And the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- is not equal, but it is also worth noting so, from that point of March 1980, the uary 3, 2001, and under a previous order that this Congress has the most fe- recognition of women’s history week at of the House, the following Members males ever serving in the history of the that time was part of the national will be recognized for 5 minutes each. United States. The strides women have agenda. f made into public service, holding lead- The Senators on the other side co- ership positions on all levels of govern- sponsored a joint resolution and in GENERAL LEAVE ment, is something we should recognize March 8, 1981, the first national Wom- Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask and celebrate. en’s History Week was established. unanimous consent that all Members I would like to take a moment and This has provided for the establish- may have 5 legislative days within recognize some remarkable women ment of many clearinghouses. All which to revise and extend their re- from West Virginia: Phyllis Curtain, a across the country, schools have also marks on the subject of my special remarkable opera star; Pearl S. Buck, adopted it as a project, and women order today. a fantastic author; Mattie Lee, a within local communities have been The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there woman who created a home for women, recognized for the outstanding work objection to the request of the gen- where they could live and work early that they have performed not only for tleman from Florida? in the 1920s and 1930s in our country; their community but for the State. There was no objection. Karen LaRoe, President of the West In 1987, at the request of national f Virginia University Institute of Tech- women’s organizations, museums, li- nology; Bertie Cohen, a community braries and other leaders in this coun- GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY volunteer; and Henrietta Marquis, a try, the national Women’s History The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a physician in Charleston, West Virginia, Project was formed, and Congress was previous order of the House, the gen- who recently passed away, who prac- petitioned to expand the national cele- tleman from Florida (Mr. BILIRAKIS) is ticed into her 90s. These women, all bration to an entire month. So, since recognized for 5 minutes.

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 04:35 Mar 20, 2002 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MR7.098 pfrm04 PsN: H19PT1 March 19, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H977 Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I large degree to the sacrifices made by Encouraged by the American Revolution, proudly rise to celebrate Greek Inde- men and women in the past, in Greece, the Greeks began their rebellion after four pendence Day and the strong ties that in America, and all over the world. centuries of Turkish oppression, facing what bind the nations of Greece and the Clearly apparent in the aftermath of appeared to be insurmountable odds. Both na- United States. the September 11 attacks, freedom tions faced the prospect of having to defeat an One hundred eighty-one years ago comes with a price. Thousands have empire to obtain liberty. And if Samuel Adams, the people of Greece began a journey sacrificed their lives to protect that the American revolutionary leader who lighted that would mark the symbolic rebirth freedom. Today, American military the first spark of rebellion by leading the Bos- of democracy in the land where those personnel are tracking terrorism at its ton Tea Party, had a Greek counterpart, that principles of human dignity were first many sources. It is another reminder man would be Alexander Ypsilantis. espoused. They rebelled against more that freedom must be constantly Ypsilantis was born in Istanbul, and his fam- than 400 years of Turkish oppression. guarded. In the words of President ily was later exiled to Russia. Ypsilantis The revolution of 1821 brought inde- Bush in his recent State of the Union served in the Russian army, and it was there, pendence to Greece and emboldened address: ‘‘It is both our responsibility during his military service, that he became in- those who still sought freedom across and our privilege to fight freedom’s volved with a secret society called the ‘‘Philike the world. I commemorate Greek Inde- fight.’’ Hetairia,’’ which translated means ‘‘friendly so- pendence Day, Mr. Speaker, each year Madam Speaker, on this 181st birth- ciety.’’ The ‘‘friendly society’’ was made up of for the same reasons we celebrate our day of Greek independence, when we merchants and other Greek leaders, but the Fourth of July. It proved that a united celebrate the restoration of democracy intent of the society was to seek freedom for people, as is taking place today, a to the land of its conception, we also Greece and her people. united people, through sheer will and celebrate the triumph of the human The group planned a secret uprising for perseverance can prevail against tyr- spirit and the strength of man’s will. 1821 to be led by Ypsilantis. He and 4,500 anny. The goals and values that the people of volunteers assembled near the Russian border The lessons the Greeks and our colo- Greece share with the people of the to launch an insurrection against the Turks. nial forefathers taught us provide United States reaffirms our common The Turkish army massacred the ill-prepared strength to victims of persecution democratic heritage. This occasion Greek volunteers, and Ypsilantis was caught throughout the world today. Men such also serves to remind us that we must and placed in prison, where he subsequently as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and never, never take for granted the right died. However, the first bells of liberty had Euripides developed a then-unique no- to determine our own fate. been rung, and Greek independence would tion that men could, if left to their Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise to cele- not be stopped. own devices, lead themselves rather brate Greek Independence Day and the strong When news of Greek uprisings spread, the than be subject to the will of a sov- ties that bind the nation of Greece and the Turks killed Greek clergymen, clerics, and laity ereign. It was Aristotle who said, ‘‘We United States. in a frightening display of force. In a vicious make war that we may live in peace.’’ One hundred and eighty one years ago, the act of vengeance, the Turks invaded the is- On March 25, 1821, Archbishop people of Greece began a journey that would land of Chios and slaughtered 25,000 of the Germanos of Patras embodied the spir- mark the symbolic rebirth of democracy in the local residents. The invaders enslaved half the it of those words when he raised the land where those principles to human dignity island’s population of 100,000. flag of freedom and was the first to de- Although many lives were sacrified at the were first espoused. clare Greece free. altar of freedom, the Greek people rallied Revolutions embody a sense of her- They rebelled against more than four hun- dred years of Turkish oppression. The revolu- around the battle cry ‘‘Eleftheria I Thanatos’’— oism, bringing forth the greatness of liberty or death, mirroring the words of Amer- tion of 1821 brought independence to Greece the human spirit in the struggle ican Patriot Patrick Henry who said: ‘‘Give me and emboldened those who still sought free- against oppression. liberty or give me death.’’ These words em- dom across the world. I commemorate Greek News of the Greek revolution met bodied the Greek patriots’ unmitigated desire Independence Day each year for the same with widespread feelings of compassion to be free. in the United States. The Founding Fa- reasons we celebrate our Fourth of July. It Another heroic Greek whom many believe thers eagerly expressed sentiments of proved that a united people, through sheer will was the most important figure in the revolution support for the fledgling uprising. Sev- and perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. was Theodoros Kolokotronis. He was the lead- eral American Presidents, including The lessons the Greeks and our colonial fore- er of the Klephts, a group of rebellious and re- James Monroe and John Quincy fathers taught us provide strength to victims of silient Greeks who refused to submit to Turk- Adams, conveyed their support for the persecution throughout the world today. ish subjugation. Kolokotronis used military revolution through their annual mes- Men such as Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and strategy he learned while in the service of the sages to Congress. William Harrison, Euripides developed the then-unique notion English Army to organize a force of over 7,000 our ninth president, expressed his be- that men could, if left to their own devices, men. The Klephts swooped on the Turks from lief in freedom for Greece saying, ‘‘We lead themselves rather than be subject to the their mountain strongholds, battering their op- must send our free-will offering. The will of a sovereign. It was Aristotle who said: pressors into submission. Star Spangled Banner must wave in ‘‘We make war that we may live in peace.’’ On One battle in particular, where Kolokotronis the Aegean . . . a messenger of frater- March 25, 1821, Archbishop Germanos of led his vastly outnumbered forces against the nity and friendship to Greece.’’ Patras embodied the spirit of those words Turks, stands out. The Turks had invaded the It should not surprise us that the when he raised the flag of freedom and was Peloponnese with 30,000 men. Kolokotronis Founding Fathers would express such the first to declare Greece free. led his force, which was outnumbered by a keen support for Greek independence, Revolutions embody a sense of heroism, ratio of 4 to 1, against the Turkish army. A for they themselves had been inspired bringing forth the greatness of the human spir- fierce battle ensued and many lives were lost, by the ancient Greeks in their own it. It was Thomas Jefferson who said that, but after a few weeks, the Turks were forced struggle for freedom. As Thomas Jef- ‘‘One man with courage is a majority.’’ Quoting to retreat. Kolokotronis is a revered Greek ferson once said, ‘‘To the ancient Jefferson on the anniversary of Greek inde- leader, because he embodied the hopes and Greeks we are all indebted for the light pendence is particularly appropriate. Jefferson, dreams of the common man, while displaying which led ourselves . . . American colo- and the rest of the Founding Fathers, looked extraordinary courage and moral fiber in the nists, out of gothic darkness.’’ back to the teachings of ancient Greek phi- face of overwhelming odds. losophers for inspiration as they sought to Athanasios Diakos was another legendary b 1945 craft a strong democratic state. And in 1821, hero, a priest, a patriot, and a soldier. He led Our two nations share a brotherhood the Greeks looked to our Founding Fathers for 500 of his men in a noble stand against 8,000 bonded by the common blood of democ- inspiration when they began their journey to- Ottoman soldiers. Diakos’ men were wiped out racy, birthed by Lady Liberty and com- ward freedom. and he fell into the enemy’s hands, where he mitted to the ideal that each citizen The history of Greek Independence like that was severely tortured before his death. He is deserves the right of self-determina- of the American Revolution, is filled with many the image of a Greek who gave all for love of tion. stories of courage and heroism. There are faith and homeland. We must always remember that the many parallels between the American and While individual acts of bravery and leader- freedom we enjoy today is due to a Greek Revolutions. ship are often noted, the Greek Revolution

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 04:35 Mar 20, 2002 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19MR7.100 pfrm04 PsN: H19PT1 H978 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 19, 2002 was remarkable for the bravery and fortitude maintain democracy only at great cost. The soring the annual Greek Independence displayed by the typical Greek citizen. This he- freedom we enjoy today is due to a large de- Day Parade for New York City. As roic ideal of sacrifice and service is best dem- gree to the sacrifices made by men and many of my colleagues know, New onstrated through the story of the Suliotes, vil- women in the past—in Greece, in America, York City is the home of the largest lagers who took refuge from Turkish authori- and all over the world. Hellenic population outside of Greece ties in the mountains of Epiros. The fiercely Clearly apparent in the aftermath of the and Cyprus. patriotic Suliotes bravely fought the Turks in September 11th attacks, freedom comes with I would now like to place in the several battles. News of their victories spread a price. Thousands have sacrificed their lives RECORD the members of the board of di- throughout the region and encouraged other to protect our freedom. Today, American mili- rectors, the officers, all of whom are villages to revolt. The Turkish Army acted tary personnel are tracking terrorism at its organizing this important tribute. swiftly and with overwhelming force to quell many sources. It is another reminder that free- The members of the Board of Directors are: the Suliote uprising. dom must be constantly guarded. In the words Bill Stathakos, President; Demos Siokis, The Suliote women were alone as their hus- 1st Vice President; Peter Michaleas, 2nd Vice of President Bush in his recent State of the President; Demetrius Kalamaras, 3rd Vice bands battled the Turks at the front. When Union address, ‘‘it is both our responsibility President; Demetrios Demetriou, General they learned that Turkish troops were fast ap- and our privilege to fight freedom’s fight.’’ Secretary; Demetrios Katchulis, 1st Ass’t. proaching their village, they began to dance Mr. Speaker, on this 181st birthday of Greek Secretary; Chris Orfanakos, 2nd Ass’t Sec- the ‘‘Syrtos,’’ a patriotic Greek dance. One by Independence, when we celebrate the restora- retary; Elias Tsekerides, Treasurer; George one, rather than face torture or enslavement at tion of democracy to the land of its concep- Kalivas Ass’t Treasurer; Ekaterine Livanis, the hands of the Turks, they committed sui- tion, we also celebrate the triumph of the Public Relations. Andreas Savva; Antonios Fokas; Avgitides cide by throwing themselves and their children human spirit and the strength of man’s will. Anastasios; Christos Gousis; Demosthenes off Mount Zalongo. They chose to die rather The goals and values that the people of Triantaffylou; Ektor Polykandriotis; than surrender their freedom. Greece share with the people of the United Eleftherios Avramidis; Jhon Zapantis; Maria The sacrifice of the Suliotes was repeated in States reaffirms our common democratic herit- Kalas; Paul Hatzikyriakos; Stelios Manis; the Arkadi Monastery of Crete. Hundreds of age. This occasion also serves to remind us Legal Advisors; Gregory Sioris and Attorney non-combatants, mainly the families of the that we must never take for granted the right at Law, Katerine Nikiforou, Esquire. Cretan freedom fighters, had taken refuge in to determine our own fate. This year, the board has elected the the Monastery to escape Turkish reprisals. f grand marshals for the parade. They The Turkish army was informed that the Mon- will be from both sides of the ocean, astery was used by the Cretan freedom fight- GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY representing the strong bond and ers as an arsenal for their war material, and The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. JO friendship between Greece and the they set out to seize it. As the Turkish troops ANN DAVIS of Virginia). Under a pre- United States. From the U.S. Alax were closing in, the priest gathered all the ref- vious order of the House, the gentle- Spanos and Denise Mehiel; and from ugees in the cellar around him. With their con- woman from New York (Mrs. MALONEY) Greece, Apostolos Kakkomanis and sent, he set fire to the gunpowder kegs stored is recognized for 5 minutes. Dora Kakoyiani. Ms. Kakoyiani was a there, killing all but a few. The ruins of the Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam victim of a terrorist who assassinated Arkadi Monastery, like the ruins of our Alamo, Speaker, I rise also today with my col- her husband. These outstanding indi- still stand as a monument to liberty. league, the gentleman from Florida viduals will lead the parade to sym- News of the Greek revolution met with wide- (Mr. BILIRAKIS), the co-chair of the Hel- bolize that no terrorist can extinguish spread feelings of compassion in the United lenic Caucus, which I chair with him, the light of democracy and freedom. States. The Founding Fathers eagerly ex- to recognize the Hellenic Americans As the representative of the 14th pressed sentiments of support for the fledgling and their heritage and their tremen- Congressional District, where a large uprising. Several American Presidents, includ- dous contribution to our country and number of my constituents are of Hel- ing James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, really to the world. lenic descent, I have often had the op- conveyed their support for the revolution The ancient state of Greece inspired portunity to speak with them about through their annual messages to Congress. our country in so many ways, from the the victims and heroes of 1821. Today, William Harrison, our ninth President, ex- architecture, the design of the very we speak also about the heroes and vic- pressed his belief in freedom for Greece, say- building in which we are residing right tims of 2001. ing: ‘‘We must send our free will offering. ‘The now, to the design of our government; The Hellenic community, as every Star-spangled Banner’ must wave in the Ae- and today we pay tribute to Greece’s community in New York and world- gean . . . a messenger of fraternity and declaration of independence from the wide, was hit heavily by the travesty of friendship to Greece.’’ Ottoman Empire on March 25. In 2002 it September 11. Those of Hellenic decent Various Members of Congress also showed will be the 181st anniversary. that were lost that day were: Ioanna a keen interest in the Greeks’ struggle for au- History tells us that in 1821 Greece Ahladiotis; Anastasios-Ernestos tonomy. Henry Clay, who in 1825 became rose up in a bloody revolt against the Alikakos; Katerina Bandis; Peter Bren- Secretary of State, was a champion of repressive might of the Ottoman Em- nan, a firefighter; John Catsimatides; Greece’s fight for independence. Among the pire. Determined to end 400 years of Thomas A. Damaskinos; Anthony most vocal was Daniel Webster from Massa- slavery or die in the attempt, Greek Demas; Gus Economou; Michael chusetts, who frequently roused the sympa- patriots began their unyielding strug- Eleferis, also a firefighter; Anna thetic interest of his colleagues and other gle for liberty and independence. Fosteris; Kenneth Grouzalis; Steve Americans in the Greek revolution. The legend says that on March 21, Hagis; Bill Haramis; Nick John; Steve It should not surprise us that the Founding 1821, Bishop Germanos of Patras hoist- Kokinos; Danielle Kousoulis; James Fathers would express such keen support for ed the Greek flag at the monastery of Maounis; George Merkouris; Peter- Greek independence, for they themselves had Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese in an Constantios Moutos; James been inspired by the ancient Greeks in their act of defiance that marked the begin- Papageorge; George Paris; Theodoros own struggle for freedom. As Thomas Jeffer- ning of the war of independence. Pigis; Daphni Pouletsos; Richard son once said, ‘‘To the ancient Greeks . . . At a time when we in the United Poulos; Tony Savvas; Muriel we are all indebted for the light which led our- States are fighting to preserve our de- Siskopoulos; Timothy P. Soulas; selves . . . American colonists, out of gothic mocracy from terrorists, I find a great Andreas Stergiiopoulos; Michael darkness.’’ Our two nations share a brother- deal of significance in our firemen rais- Tarrou; Michael Theodoridis; William hood bonded by the common blood of democ- ing the American flag at the World Tselepis; Jennifer Tzemis; Steve racy, birthed by Lady Liberty, and committed Trade Center after the attack on Sep- Zannettos; Gus Zavvos; Steve Savvas, to the ideal that each individual deserves the tember 11. That act symbolized our war from the New York Police Department; right of self-determination. for democracy and freedom, as did the and Prokopios Paul Zios. These victims We all know that the price of liberty can be flag at Agia Lavra many years ago. are the patriots. They gave their lives very high—history is replete with the names of To honor Greek Independence Day on that terrible attack against our the millions who have sacrificed for it. Soc- and honor the victims and heroes of country and our democracy. rates, Plato, Pericles, and many other great September 11, the Federation of Hel- The members of the fire department, scholars throughout history warned that we lenic Societies of New York is spon- police department, port authority and

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 04:35 Mar 20, 2002 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MR7.056 pfrm04 PsN: H19PT1