The Hellenic Navy (HN) (Greek: Πολεμικό Ναυτικό, Polemikó Naftikó, abbreviated ΠΝ) is the naval force of Greece, part of the Greek Armed Forces. The modern Greek navy has its roots in the naval forces of various Aegean Islands, which fought in the Greek War of Independence. During the periods of monarchy (1833–1924 and 1936–1973) it was known as the Royal Navy (Βασιλικόν Ναυτικόν, Vasilikón Naftikón, abbreviated ΒΝ).The total displacement of all the navy's vessels is approximately 150,000 tons.The motto of the Hellenic Navy is "Μέγα το της Θαλάσσης Κράτος" from Thucydides' account of Pericles' oration on the eve of the Peloponnesian War. This has been roughly translated as "Great is the country that controls the sea". The Hellenic Navy's emblem consists of an anchor in front of a crossed Christian cross and trident, with the cross symbolizing Greek Orthodoxy, and the trident symbolizing Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology. Pericles' words are written across the top of the emblem. "The navy, as it represents a necessary weapon for Greece, should only be created for war and aim to victory."...............The Hellenic Merchant Marine refers to the Merchant Marine of Greece, engaged in commerce and transportation of goods and services universally. It consists of the merchant vessels owned by Greek civilians, flying either the Greek flag or a flag of convenience. Greece is a maritime nation by tradition, as shipping is arguably the oldest form of occupation of the Greeks and a key element of Greek economic activity since the ancient times. Nowadays, Greece has the largest merchant fleet in the world, which is the second largest contributor to the national economy after tourism and forms the backbone of world shipping. The Greek fleet flies a variety of flags, however some Greek shipowners gradually return to Greece following the changes to the legislative framework governing their operations and the improvement of infrastructure.Blogger Tips and Tricks
This is a bilingual blog in English and / or Greek and you can translate any post to any language by pressing on the appropriate flag....Note that there is provided below a scrolling text with the 30 recent posts...Αυτό είναι ένα δίγλωσσο blog στα Αγγλικά η/και στα Ελληνικά και μπορείτε να μεταφράσετε οποιοδήποτε ποστ σε οποιαδήποτε γλώσσα κάνοντας κλικ στη σχετική σημαία. Σημειωτέον ότι παρακάτω παρέχεται και ένα κινούμενο κείμενο με τα 30 πρόσφατα ποστς....This is a bilingual blog in English and / or Greek and you can translate any post to any language by pressing on the appropriate flag....Note that there is provided below a scrolling text with the 30 recent posts...Αυτό είναι ένα δίγλωσσο blog στα Αγγλικά η/και στα Ελληνικά και μπορείτε να μεταφράσετε οποιοδήποτε ποστ σε οποιαδήποτε γλώσσα κάνοντας κλικ στη σχετική σημαία. Σημειωτέον ότι παρακάτω παρέχεται και ένα κινούμενο κείμενο με τα 30 πρόσφατα ποστς.........

Friday, March 25, 2011

The USA on the Greece’s National Day...[ 2215 ]

Statement by Secretary Clinton on Greece’s National Day





U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

March 24, 2011



On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate Hellenes and Philhellenes worldwide as you celebrate the 190th anniversary of Greece’s Independence this March 25th.


190 years of independence is a significant achievement, but Greek contributions to democracy and liberty go back thousands of years. Every day, countries and people from all regions of the world draw inspiration from Athenian democracy in their own constitutions and legal systems. 

In the United States, our founders looked to the cradle of democracy and in turn created the words that would be enshrined in our constitution.

Our shared commitment to these universal values has never been more important to the aspirations of people across the globe. 

Today, our Greek allies continue to set an example with these ideals. Greece is contributing to peace in Europe, South Asia, and North Africa. The United States is proud to have a partner in Greece to help advance and defend democratic principles around the world.



In the United States, Greek Americans have contributed in ways large and small to the fabric of our nation. In arts, sports, politics, business – everywhere you look – Greek Americans have helped shape our country.

 
As we celebrate the anniversary of this great republic, know that the United States remains committed to this enduring alliance and the principles of your founding all those years ago. Our country is forever impacted and grateful for the contributions of Hellenes worldwide. Congratulations and best wishes for another 190 years of peace, progress and prosperity.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://www.america.gov)

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