Athens , 27 May 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am particularly pleased to welcome Senator Paul Sarbanes to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A man of deep political insight, Senator Sarbanes has been an asset to both houses of the US Congress for over three decades. Boasting an impressive political career and known for his integrity and diligence, he has contributed greatly to both the United States and World Hellenism.

In the Senator’s ethos, candor and modesty one will find the prototype of our value-based Greek culture. Values instilled in him by his parents, Spyros and Matina, who left their Laconian homeland in the midst of depression, only to find themselves hard-working breadwinners on the other side of the Atlantic. Despite the hardships they endured, as young immigrants, they introduced their son Paul to the value of hard work, knowledge and social responsibility.

Armed with a fine education, including attendance at prestigious academic institutions in both the US and Great Britain, Senator Sarbanes has left a mark on American politics.

Senator Sarbanes has been a tireless advocate of social justice. During his four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and nearly 30 years in the United States Senate, he fought for two essential principles: opportunity and fairness. In the words of Democratic National Committee’ resolution, passed on the Senator’s retirement, he always worked “to ensure that every American, and not just a privileged few, should be able to count on these principles”.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Senator Sarbanes has placed his vast legal knowledge and political insight in the service of the American people. He has made the people of Maryland proud, by helping so many achieve their goals and realize their visions.

The longest-serving senator in Maryland’s history, Paul’s extensive legislative work includes the groundbreaking Sarbanes-Oxley Act, aimed at restoring investor confidence in financial markets and preventing future company failures in the wake of the 2002 corporate accounting scandals.

Last but not least, as a universal Greek, Senator Sarbanes has repeatedly helped the vibrant Greek-American community unite, become even stronger, and excel in all their endeavors.  

Elevtherios Venizelos urged Greek Americans, during a visit to New York back in the 1920s, to become good citizens of the United States. “This is the best service”, he stated, “you can provide your motherland.”

Senator Sarbanes, the Greek people and the Greek Diaspora are grateful to you for your invaluable support in promoting Hellenism and inspiring Philhellenes in the United States. You have been a bridge between two old friends and allies, conveying the ideals of Hellenism to the American people. We thank you, yet again.

And we would be remiss, if we forgot to extend our gratitude to your wife, Christine, who has devotedly stood by your side all this time, sharing your vision and offering her own priceless gem to the mosaic of the Sarbanes family.

Today, I am happy to see that your unending efforts have borne fruits. Your eldest son, Congressman John Sarbanes, is enthusiastically following in your footsteps, and I am certain that his political career will mark another paradigm of political excellence and integrity.   

To you Paul and Christine, to your son, John, to your beautiful family, and to Greek-American friendship, I raise my glass.