[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 28, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 18897-18898]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7640]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 28, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 18897]]


                Proclamation 8787 of March 23, 2012

                
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
                Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Two hundred and thirty-six years ago, a new American 
                Nation was founded on an old Greek principle--
                democratic rule by a free people. We trace this 
                enduring idea to ancient Hellas, where Greeks brought 
                forth the world's first democracy and kindled a 
                philosophical tradition that would stand the test of 
                time. Over two millennia later, the Greek people rose 
                up to reclaim their heritage as citizens of a sovereign 
                nation. Today, on the 191st anniversary of Greece's 
                independence, we commemorate that struggle to restore 
                democracy in its birthplace, renew the bonds that bring 
                our countries together, and celebrate the Hellenic 
                ideals that continue to shape the American experience.

                As America's Founders built a Government of the people, 
                by the people, and for the people, they drew 
                inspiration from the democratic pioneers who shaped a 
                small group of ancient Greek city states. In the years 
                since, Greece and America have strengthened that 
                connection through shared history and deep partnerships 
                between our people. During the American Civil War, 
                Greek Americans served and fought to preserve our 
                Union. Through two World Wars and a long Cold War, 
                America and Greece stood as allies in the pursuit of 
                peace. And for generations, Greek Americans have 
                profoundly enriched our national life. They stand as 
                leaders in every field and every part of our society, 
                and their cultural legacy still echoes in classrooms, 
                courtrooms, and communities across our Nation.

                On Greek Independence Day, we commemorate the proud 
                traditions that tie our nations together and honor all 
                those who trace their lineage to the Hellenic Republic. 
                Nearly 200 years after the Greek people won their war 
                to return democracy to their homeland and become a 
                sovereign state, we reaffirm the warm friendship and 
                solidarity that will guide our work together in the 
                years ahead.

                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, 2012, 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 18898]]

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

[FR Doc. 2012-7640
Filed 3-27-12; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P