H.Res. 1203

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1203 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1203

Recognizing the 200th anniversary of the heroic Exodus of Missolonghi 
and commemorating its historical significance to the Greek War of 
Independence.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 21, 2026

Mr. Bilirakis (for himself, Mr. Pappas, Ms. Malliotakis, and Ms. Titus) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs

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RESOLUTION

Recognizing the 200th anniversary of the heroic Exodus of Missolonghi 
and commemorating its historical significance to the Greek War of 
Independence.

Whereas, in 2026, the world commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of 
Missolonghi, one of the most heroic and consequential events of the 
Greek War of Independence, when the people of the city of Missolonghi 
chose to break free of the siege;
Whereas this act of defiance and sacrifice was a defining moment in Greek 
history, inspiring the philhellenism movement across Europe and America;
Whereas the city of Missolonghi endured 3 sieges between 1822 and 1826, 
culminating in the heroic Exodus on April 10, 1826, when its defenders 
and civilians chose sacrifice and honor over submission;
Whereas the Exodus of Missolonghi exemplified the universal ideals of liberty, 
altruism, human dignity, and sacrifice for the greater good, leaving a 
lasting imprint not only on Greek history but also on global 
consciousness;
Whereas the resistance and ultimate sacrifice of the people of Missolonghi 
inspired the Romantic movement across the world, influencing poets, 
artists, writers, and thinkers who championed freedom and self-
determination;
Whereas the sieges of Missolonghi galvanized international support for the Greek 
cause and inspired thousands of sympathizers known as philhellenes to 
contribute financially, materially, and militarily to the struggle for 
Greek independence;
Whereas the Greek War of Independence resonated deeply with the people of the 
United States, who viewed the struggle as a fight for liberty and as a 
revival of the democratic ideals of ancient Greece, which helped inspire 
the founding of the American Republic;
Whereas numerous philhellenic societies were formed throughout the United States 
in the early 19th century, organizing fundraising efforts, collecting 
supplies, raising public awareness, and advocating for support of the 
Greek cause;
Whereas prominent Americans, including Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James 
Madison, expressed strong support for the Greek struggle for 
independence;
Whereas many American philhellenes traveled to Greece and fought alongside Greek 
freedom fighters in Missolonghi, including George Jarvis, William 
Townsend Washington, and Jonathan Peckham Miller, who took part in the 
Exodus of Missolonghi and offered invaluable assistance to its besieged 
population; and
Whereas the shared history of sacrifice and solidarity between the peoples of 
Greece and the United States continues to serve as a foundation for the 
enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the 2 nations: 
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes and honors the 200th anniversary of the 
Exodus of Missolonghi as a defining moment in the Greek War of 
Independence and a landmark event in world history;
(2) pays tribute to the men, women, and children of 
Missolonghi whose courage and sacrifice embodied the universal 
struggle for freedom and human dignity;
(3) honors philhellenes, including American philhellenes, 
who supported and fought alongside the Greek people in their 
struggle for independence;
(4) affirms the shared democratic values and historical 
bonds between the United States and Greece, rooted in a common 
commitment to liberty and self-determination; and
(5) encourages educational, cultural, and commemorative 
activities to mark the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of 
Missolonghi and to promote greater awareness of its historical 
and moral significance.
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