"Mr. Speaker, 

“I rise today as a proud member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus to recognize Greek Independence Day.  

“Let us honor this date in memory of beloved Andy Athens. 

“This holiday celebrates the 1821 victory in the Greek people’s struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire.

“My grandfather, Arthur Costandinos Cathones, for whom I am named, instilled in me a love of Greece and Greek Culture.  The Hellenic values he taught me have served me well as guiding principles throughout my career in public service.  

“I have enjoyed visiting Greece a number of times to learn firsthand about the birthplace of democracy.  These trips have given me a deep understanding of the country’s history, its food, its music, and especially, its people. I encourage my colleagues to visit Greece to experience all it has to offer. 

“The U.S. and Greece have always shared a special bond which we should recognize and strengthen, instead of repeatedly using Greece as the whipping boy for Europe’s economic woes."