FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2009
PETER SHURMAN. MPP (THORNHILL) MARKS THE ANNIVERSARY OF GREECE?S INDEPENDENCE
(Queen?s Park) Peter Shurman, MPP (Thornhill) and Progressive Conservative Critic for Citizenship & Immigration released the following statement in honour of Greek Independence Day:
?Today I join the Greek Community, in Ontario and beyond, in honouring Greek Independence Day. On March 25th , the anniversary of Greece?s independence, we honour the resilience and patriotism of a people who fought to maintain their culture, their heritage and their values in the face of 400 years of oppression, until their liberty was finally secured with the Treaty of Constantinople in July of 1832. ?
?To speak of Greece?s independence is to speak of this nation?s devotion to the ideals of freedom and democracy. This devotion is evident in this country?s history, literature and national symbols; the nine blue stripes of the Greek flag symbolize the nine syllables of the revolutionary motto ?Eleftheria i Thanatos? (Freedom or Death.)?
?Greek civilization is the foundation on which our beliefs in democracy, the rule of law and freedom have been built. Those beliefs are the reasons why Canada has proudly answered the call to stand against tyranny whether on the fields of Europe or the steppes of Afghanistan. Today, on the anniversary of Greece?s independence, let us remember those who gave their lives to secure the liberty of the Greek Nation as well as the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, who stand willing to do so today to defend others from oppression.?
?On behalf of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Caucus I am pleased to recognize Greek Independence Day and the many contributions of the Greek Community to our culture and traditions.?
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For more information:
Monika Bujalska
Executive Assistant
Office of Peter Shurman, M.P.P.
(416) 325-1415
peter.shurman@pc.ola.org