[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 59 (Friday, March 27, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 16249-16250]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-07242]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 59 / Friday, March 27, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 16249]]

                Proclamation 9242 of March 24, 2015

                
 Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
                Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2015

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Since the dawn of our Nation, the United States and 
                Greece have shared a bond forged through common 
                struggle and deeply rooted in mutual beliefs. Greek 
                principles guided our Founders as they declared 
                America's independence, and nearly half a century 
                later, as Greek revolutionaries fought to throw off the 
                yoke of an empire, they renewed the creed that unites 
                free people everywhere: ordinary citizens can govern 
                themselves. Today, we celebrate the Hellenic spirit 
                that has inspired our two great nations -- separated by 
                an ocean but linked by a shared destiny written not for 
                us, but by us.

                It was the democratic example of ancient Greece from 
                which the founding generation of Americans drew 
                strength. In our Nation's earliest days, we sought 
                wisdom from Greek history and philosophy, and we found 
                hope within the pages of timeless Greek texts. Mindful 
                of the lessons of the Hellenic story, courageous 
                patriots undertook a bold experiment, securing the 
                blessings of liberty and laying the foundation for more 
                than two centuries of progress.

                But even in the cradle of democracy, the promise of 
                freedom was not preordained. More than 2,000 years 
                after the values of self-determination first found 
                expression in a small group of Hellenic city-states, 
                the Greek people stood up against tyranny and 
                sacrificed to restore democracy to its birthplace. They 
                met brutal hardship with unbreakable character, drew 
                inspiration from America's revolution, and never lost 
                faith in the ideals Greece has always represented.

                As Americans and Greeks, we are heirs to a long legacy 
                of hard-won freedom and justice -- values which we must 
                not only preserve, but renew and refresh in our own 
                time. Generations of Greek Americans have enriched the 
                United States and strengthened our communities. Their 
                heritage and vibrant culture are reflected in our story 
                of achievement and constant striving; their voices are 
                among the chorus of citizens who have driven this 
                country inexorably forward. Today, as Greece works to 
                lay a foundation for long-term prosperity, our Nation 
                continues to support our friend and NATO ally and to 
                help the Greek people reach for the future so many have 
                sought -- one where all women and men are free to 
                pursue their dreams, realize their potential, and 
                secure a brighter tomorrow for their children.

                Together, we continue the righteous task of perfecting 
                our two nations. On the 194th anniversary of Greek 
                independence, let us celebrate the enduring ties 
                between our peoples and stand with those around the 
                world who long for liberty and the chance to join in 
                the noble work of building a democracy.

                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, 2015, as 
                Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration 
                of Greek and

[[Page 16250]]

                American Democracy. I call upon 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 
                twenty-fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-07242
Filed 3-26-15; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F5