2026 -- H 8376

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING MARCH 25, 2026, AS THE 205TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK

INDEPENDENCE DAY AND CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY IN GREECE AND THE

UNITED STATES

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, McNamara, Paplauskas,
Chippendale, Solomon, Kennedy, Tanzi, Ajello, and Shallcross Smith

     Date Introduced: March 31, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, On March 25, 1821, the Feast Day of the Annunciation, the Greek nation

reclaimed its ancient heritage as the "Cradle of Democracy" by overthrowing the yoke of

oppression which had enslaved its people since the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Conquered by

the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century, Greece waged a successful war of Independence (1821-

1829) and re-instituted a democratic form of government; and

     WHEREAS, The People of the United States generously offered humanitarian assistance

to the Greek people during their struggle for independence; and

     WHEREAS, The price for the people of Greece to hold onto their common values in their

region was high, as hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed in Greece during World War

II; and

     WHEREAS, Greece is one of only three nations in the world, beyond the former British

Empire, that has been allied with the United States in every major international conflict over the

last 100 years; and

     WHEREAS, Greece, located in a region where Christianity meets Islam and Judaism,

maintains excellent relations with Muslim nations and Israel, and demonstrates religious

tolerance; and

     WHEREAS, The Ancient Macedonians were Hellenes and the northern Province of

Greece, Macedonia and the Hellenic descendants. Greece and the United States share a strong and

strategic partnership, rooted in historical ties and ongoing cooperation in various sectors,

including defense, economy, and culture; and

     WHEREAS, Greece and the United States are at the forefront of the effort for freedom,

democracy, peace, stability, and human rights; and

     WHEREAS, Many American Philhellenes participated and fought in the Greek War of

Independence. One such individual was George Wilson from Providence, Rhode Island, who

served as a gunman in the Greek fleet, most notably in the battle against the Turkish Navy in

Nafpaktos Bay, Greece; and

     WHEREAS, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Greek

Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and reaffirmed the strategic importance of the US-Greece

Partnership and stated that "Greece is a valued NATO ally and is critical to regional stability."

Secretary Rubio went on to say that "The United States applauds Greece's strong commitment to

defense spending, its regional leadership, including its continued support for Ukraine, delivery of

life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, and its support for freedom of navigation

in the Red Sea through its participation in operation Prosperity Guardian." Secretary Rubio also

welcomed Greece's presence on the UN Security Council for its 2025-2026 term; and

     WHEREAS, Secretary Rubio also praised and congratulated the Greek nation for its

successful economic reforms that have helped lead Greece to a strong economic recovery, with a

projected growth rate of 2.1 percent in 2026, outpacing most of Europe; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

celebrates March 25, 2026, as the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence, reaffirms Rhode

Island's abiding commitment to the magnificent principles of democracy and religious freedom,

and urges Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House hereby commends the Greek-American community for its

contributions to Rhode Island and its role as a bridge between two countries; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of

Cranston, the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Pawtucket, the St. Spyridon Greek

Orthodox Church of Newport, members of the Rhode Island Congressional delegation, the

Honorable Symeon Tegos, Consul General of the Hellenic Republic in Boston, and Archbishop

Elpidophoros of the Greek Archdiocese of America.

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