John Stephen Horn

“ Speaker, more than 2,500 years ago the people of Greece began to formulate the ideas that now serve as the foundation for our system of government, science, philosophy, law, literature, and art. The gift of Greek culture to the world, and the special debt this nation owes to Greece, is priceless. The Greek tradition that began in the mists of time with Homer led to the Golden Age and later to the intellectual and aesthetic enrichment of the Roman Republic and Empire, the European Renaissance, and our own nation's founding principles. ”

“ We also share with Greece the triumphant experience of fighting for and winning independence. In 1821, after nearly 2,000 years of foreign rule, the people of Greece rose up and declared their independence from the Ottoman Empire. After nearly a decade of struggle, the Greek people won their freedom. ”

“ Greece has contributed to this nation in other ways. It is difficult to find areas of this country where Greek-Americans have not contributed to the betterment of their communities. In my own area of Southern California, the vibrant Greek-American community has enriched all our lives. ”