[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 60 (Thursday, March 28, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 15093-15094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-7754]



[[Page 15091]]

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Part VI





The President





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Proclamation 7535--Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2002
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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 60 / Thursday, March 28, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 15093]]

                Proclamation 7535 of March 25, 2002

                
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
                Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Ancient Greece was the birthplace of the democratic 
                principles and thought that fundamentally shaped the 
                growth of democracy in world history. Societies 
                aspiring toward more democratic forms of government 
                have found inspiration in the Greek tradition of 
                representative government and free political discourse. 
                As modern Greece celebrates the anniversary of its 
                independence, won 181 years ago, Greeks can be proud 
                that its vibrant democracy continues and that it is 
                based upon the beliefs in freedom and self-rule first 
                forged in classical Greece over 2500 years ago.

                These ideals have been embraced by peoples of the world 
                who aspire towards democracy, including the Founders of 
                the United States; and they were tested by the attacks 
                of September 11, 2001. The terrorists sought to destroy 
                a political and economic system that promotes 
                individual freedoms and tolerance, defends national 
                liberty, and supports the full participation of its 
                citizens in the democratic process. The terrorists 
                failed; but rather than destroying us, their attacks 
                strengthen our resolve to stand up to this evil. Along 
                with the members of our worldwide coalition, including 
                Greece, we are committed to defeating terrorism and 
                protecting liberty.

                The friendship between the United States and Greece 
                continues to thrive and is based upon our common 
                cultural bonds and our shared national values. Today, 
                more than 3 million Americans proudly claim Greek 
                heritage, representing a continuing link between our 
                countries. From the arts and education to industry and 
                science, Greek Americans have made significant 
                contributions to the cultural, civic, and economic 
                vitality of our land.

                As we celebrate Greek independence, we remember the 
                history of those who sacrificed their lives to preserve 
                freedom and democracy. We value our friendship and 
                continuing partnership with the government and people 
                of Greece, and we commit to work together to provide 
                greater opportunity and more freedoms for the citizens 
                of the world. And we join the world in anticipating the 
                momentous 2004 Summer Olympic Games, which will be held 
                in Athens, the birthplace of Olympic competition.

                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, 2002, as ``Greek 
                Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of 
                Greek and American Democracy.'' I encourage all 
                Americans to take special note of Greece's rich history 
                of democracy, the strong bonds of friendship and 
                culture between our countries, and the important role 
                that Greek Americans play in our Nation.

[[Page 15094]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-7754
Filed 3-27-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P