For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 18, 2003
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
After nearly 400 years of rule by the Ottomans, Greece declared its
independence on March 25, 1821. Long before that, ancient Athenians
created a Greek culture that valued human liberty and dignity, and
modern Greeks have demonstrated that preserving freedom is a powerful
motivating force. Today, on Greek Independence Day, we recognize the
ancient Greek influence in framing our own Constitution and celebrate
the Greek-American heritage that continues to strengthen our
communities and enrich our society.
Bound by history, mutual respect, and common ideals, America and
Greece have been firm allies in the great struggles for liberty. Our
countries fought together in every major twentieth-century war, and
today, we remain united in the war against terror that threatens the
future of every nation. We are working together to achieve peace and
prosperity in the Balkans and southeastern Mediterranean. As the
current president of the European Union, Greece is also playing a
critical role in our efforts to confront many other global problems
that affect our nations and our world.
Our commitment to the friendship between our two nations has grown
from strong bonds of tradition and shared fundamental values. On Greek
Independence Day, I encourage all Americans to recognize the countless
contributions Greek Americans have made to our country. Embodying the
independence and creativity that have made our country strong, their
proud history is a source of inspiration for our Nation and our world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2003, as
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and
American Democracy. I call upon all the people of the United States to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day
of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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