PRIME MINISTER HARPER MARKS
THE OCCASION OF GREECE’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
OTTAWA -
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following greeting to mark
Greece’s Independence Day:
"I am
pleased to extend my heartfelt greetings to all Canadians of Hellenic
origin on this historic day. In honouring the anniversary of Greek
Independence Day, March 25, 1821, we are celebrating democracy, a Greek
legacy and the heartbeat of our nation.
"Hellenic
Canadians can take pride in their motherland's heritage of the rule of law
and the inherent desire for a government built on the principles of
democracy. Greece is a vibrant testament to our common values and man and
woman’s unbended will in the pursuit of freedom that has transcended
time and boundaries.
"Today,
more than 250,000 Greek descendants live in Canada and are integral
contributors to our modern nation. Since their ancestors have made Canada
their home, Greek Canadians have made important contributions to all
aspects of Canadian society. They are also instrumental in developing and
maintaining strong human, commercial and cultural ties between Canada and
Greece.
"Canada
has enjoyed a long history of friendship and cooperation with Greece. We
are partners today in bringing peace and stability to the people of
Afghanistan and we work together in forums such as the United Nations,
NATO and La Francophonie.
"I
invite all Canadians to join me in celebrating with Canadians of Greek
descent."
