Mr. Speaker, today, Canadians of Hellenic origin join with 17.5 million Hellenes around the world in celebrating the most important day in the history of Greece, my country of origin, that is March 25, 1821, Greek Independence Day.
Today I welcome to Ottawa and to Canada a group that has travelled from Greece to participate in the various celebrations organized in Montreal and Ottawa: Mrs. Maria Lambrou, deputy mayor of Chalkidos; Ms. Pagona Theodorou and Ms. Fevronia Kastani, members of the provincial chamber of commerce of Evoia; and the Hellenic national organization whose goal is to preserve and promote the authenticity of Greek dance and the genuineness of Greek traditional dress.
I am proud of my roots. More important, I am proud of Canada which allows for the respecting of the cultures and traditions of all Canadians. I invite all members of the House to join in the celebrations to celebrate this important day.