[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 55 (Friday, March 21, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 13805]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6964]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 55 / Friday, March 21, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 13805]]


                Proclamation 7654 of 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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-6964
Filed 3-20-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P