Bill Summary
The legislation is a resolution expressing support for the designation of October 28 as "Oxi Day" in the United States. This day commemorates the anniversary of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas's famous response of "Oxi!" (meaning "No!") to an ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, which demanded Greece's surrender to Axis forces during World War II. The resolution highlights the significance of this act of defiance, which not only marked Greece's entry into the war but also inspired resistance against fascism across Europe. It acknowledges the bravery of the Greek people, their role in delaying Nazi advances, and their contribution to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. The resolution calls for the American public to recognize and participate in ceremonies and activities that honor this pivotal moment in history, reinforcing the strong ties between Greece and the United States based on shared democratic values.
Possible Impacts
The resolution supporting the designation of October 28 as "Oxi Day" could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Cultural Identity and Pride**: By commemorating "Oxi Day," Greek communities in the United States and abroad may experience a strengthened sense of cultural identity and pride. This recognition emphasizes the historical significance of Greece's resistance to fascism during World War II, allowing individuals to connect with their heritage and share their history with younger generations.
2. **Educational Opportunities**: The resolution may lead to increased educational programs and initiatives focused on World War II history, particularly regarding Greece's role in the war. Schools and community organizations might hold events, lectures, or workshops that educate people about the importance of resistance against totalitarianism, promoting discussions about democracy, freedom, and human rights.
3. **Strengthening U.S.-Greece Relations**: The recognition of "Oxi Day" may enhance diplomatic and cultural ties between the United States and Greece. This could manifest in joint commemorative events, cultural exchanges, and collaborative efforts in areas such as human rights advocacy, thereby fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of shared democratic values between the two nations.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 840 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 840
Expressing support for the designation of October 28 as ``Oxi Day'' to
commemorate the anniversary of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas
answer of ``Oxi!'' or ``No!'' to surrender to the Axis forces,
inflicting a fatal wound that helped save democracy for the world.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 28, 2025
Mr. Pappas (for himself, Mr. Bilirakis, Ms. Titus, and Ms. Malliotakis)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on Oversight and Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of October 28 as ``Oxi Day'' to
commemorate the anniversary of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas
answer of ``Oxi!'' or ``No!'' to surrender to the Axis forces,
inflicting a fatal wound that helped save democracy for the world.
Whereas the National Fascist Party, headed by Benito Mussolini, imposed
totalitarian rule over Italy from 1922 to 1943;
Whereas Fascist Italy, in alliance with Nazi Germany, formed the Axis forces and
sought to promote fascist and racist policies throughout Europe in the
World War II era;
Whereas, on October 28, 1940, the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini delivered a
3 a.m. ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, demanding he
allow Axis forces to enter Greece or face war;
Whereas Prime Minister Metaxas answered the Axis force's request for surrender
with one word: ``Oxi!'' or ``No!'';
Whereas Italian troops attacked the Greek border hours later, marking the
beginning of Greece's involvement in World War II;
Whereas, that same morning, thousands of Greek citizens took to the streets,
chanting ``Oxi!'', in honor of Prime Minister Metaxas' refusal to relent
to fascism;
Whereas, after the world watched the Axis forces overwhelm 15 countries in less
than a year, Greece became the first to repel the Axis invasion, leading
United States President Franklin Roosevelt to say, ``When the entire
world had lost all hope, the Greek people dared to question the
invincibility of the German monster, raising against it in the proud
spirit of freedom'';
Whereas British Prime Minister Winston Churchill observed of the Greek people's
courageous actions, ``Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like
heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks'';
Whereas Nazi forces had to delay their invasion of Russia to intervene in the
Greco-Italian War to ensure the ultimate defeat of Greece and the Greek
people's spirited resistance;
Whereas this delay caused the Nazi regime to face a brutal Russian winter which
hindered their advance and ultimately led to their eventual defeat;
Whereas the Greek people's bravery changed the trajectory of the war, leading
Hitler's Field Marshal and Chief of Staff Wilhelm Keitel to say, ``The
Greeks delayed by two or more vital months the German attack against
Russia; if we did not have this long delay, the outcome of the war would
have been different'';
Whereas Prime Minister Churchill concluded that ``if there had not been the
virtue and courage of the Greeks, we do not know which the outcome of
World War II would have been'';
Whereas this was a consequential victory for freedom and democracy in the modern
world and, at the time, an act that inspired and gave hope to the free
world;
Whereas the United States and Greece have been allies in all major international
conflicts throughout modern history, including World War II, upholding
freedom, democracy, rule of law, human rights, peace, and stability;
Whereas those efforts and shared values have enhanced the close bond between the
peoples of Greece and the United States;
Whereas the United States joined Greece in celebrating the 200th anniversary of
the March 25, 1821, Greek Independence Day and reaffirms the democratic
principles from which the 2 great countries were founded;
Whereas, since 1942, ``Oxi Day'' has been celebrated in Greece and Cyprus on
October 28, commemorating Greece's refusal to submit to fascism; and
Whereas October 28, 2025, would be an appropriate date to designate as ``Oxi
Day'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the designation of ``Oxi Day'' in
commemoration of Greece's refusal to submit to the Axis Powers
during World War II, noting that this resistance likely led to
the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to support
and participate in appropriate ceremonies, programs, and other
activities in observance of such a day of remembrance.
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