[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 22, 2006)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 14355-14356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2810]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 55 / Wednesday, March 22, 2006 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 14355]]

                Proclamation 7989 of March 17, 2006

                
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
                Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2006

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the proud 
                heritage of Greek Americans, recognize the longstanding 
                friendship between the United States and Greece, and 
                reaffirm our shared desire to spread freedom to people 
                around the world.

                Greece is the birthplace of democratic principles, and 
                the story of modern Greek independence demonstrates the 
                power of liberty. On March 25, 1821, Greek 
                revolutionaries declared their independence from the 
                Ottoman Empire after centuries of imperial rule. This 
                bold action began an 11-year war to secure their 
                freedom and gain recognition as a sovereign country. 
                Americans at the time identified with the Greek 
                struggle and provided support to aid the effort. 
                Leaders such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James 
                Madison encouraged the Greek cause and supported the 
                desire for a representative government that would 
                ensure liberty and justice for all its citizens, and 
                they offered our Constitution as a model for 
                consideration.

                A strong cooperation and friendship has developed 
                between Greece and America, and our Nation has 
                benefited from the contributions of Greek immigrants. 
                The hard work of Greek Americans has made our country 
                stronger and influenced our literature, arts, 
                businesses, politics, education, and entertainment. The 
                faith, traditions, and patriotism of Greek Americans 
                have enriched our society.

                The United States and Greece are bound together by 
                common values and a deep desire to protect and extend 
                freedom and peace. On this special occasion, we 
                celebrate our friendship and our commitment to 
                advancing democracy, prosperity, and security.

                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, 2006, as Greek 
                Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of 
                Greek and American Democracy. I call upon all Americans 
                to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and 
                activities.

[[Page 14356]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 06-2810
Filed 3-21-06; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P