[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 17329-17330]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-7502]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76 , No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 17329]]


                Proclamation 8640 of March 24, 2011

                
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
                Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                One hundred ninety years ago, Greece regained its 
                independence and became a symbol of democracy for the 
                world for the second time in history. As America 
                recognizes this milestone in the birthplace of 
                democracy, we also celebrate our warm friendship with 
                Greece and the lasting legacy of Hellenic culture in 
                our own country.

                America's Founders drew upon the core democratic 
                principles developed in ancient Greece as they imagined 
                a new government. Since that time, our Union has 
                strived to uphold the belief that each person has a 
                fundamental right to liberty and participation in the 
                democratic process, and Greece has continued to promote 
                those very principles. Over the centuries these 
                cherished ideals--democracy, equality, and freedom--
                have inspired our citizens and the world.

                The relationship between the United States and Greece 
                extends beyond our common values and is strengthened by 
                the profound influence of Greek culture on our national 
                life. From the architecture of our historic buildings 
                to the lessons in philosophy and literature passed on 
                in our classrooms, America has drawn on the deep 
                intellectual traditions of the Greeks in our own 
                establishment and growth as a nation. Reinforcing the 
                steadfast bonds between our two countries, Americans of 
                Greek descent have maintained the best of their 
                heritage and immeasurably enriched our national 
                character.

                The American people stand with Greece to honor the 
                legacy of democracy wrought over 2,000 years ago and 
                its restoration to the Hellenic Republic nearly 200 
                years ago. As we celebrate the history and values of 
                Greece and the United States, we also look forward to 
                our shared future and recommit to continuing our work 
                as friends and allies.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2011, 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.

[[Page 17330]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-7502
Filed 3-28-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P