[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 17599-17600]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07222]



[[Page 17597]]

Vol. 81

Tuesday,

No. 60

March 29, 2016

Part III





The President





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Proclamation 9409--Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2016
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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 60 / Tuesday, March 29, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 17599]]

                Proclamation 9409 of March 24, 2016

                
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
                Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Inspired by ancient Greece's example, America's 
                Founding Fathers drew on Hellenic principles to guide 
                our democracy in its nascence. Nearly half a century 
                after the Stars and Stripes first flew over our 
                country, a flag was raised on a mountaintop in Greece, 
                and a revolution spawned that would bring democracy 
                back to its birthplace and lay the cornerstone of the 
                close relationship enjoyed by our two nations. On the 
                195th anniversary of Greece's independence, we 
                celebrate the friendship between our countries and 
                honor the contributions that Greek Americans have made 
                to our national character.

                Our common histories are reflected in our shared 
                values. Throughout our storied pasts, our peoples have 
                upheld the fundamental ideals we cherish by working 
                together to safeguard the foundation of democracy upon 
                which both our nations are built. Greeks and Americans 
                have long stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of 
                freedom, and today, the Greek American community 
                carries forward the legacy of past Greeks who 
                enlightened our world by continuing to enrich our 
                society in unique ways. Driving generations, the hope 
                that incited both our revolutions still burns in the 
                hearts of Greek Americans and in all those across our 
                country who seek even greater opportunity for our 
                children and grandchildren.

                The Greek people have faced extraordinary challenges in 
                recent years, yet they remain steadfast in their 
                resilience and perseverance. In response to an ongoing 
                refugee and migration crisis, Greece is providing 
                humanitarian assistance to countless men, women, and 
                children seeking freedom from persecution and violence. 
                As Americans, we stand with Greece as partners, 
                friends, and NATO allies, and the Greek American 
                community serves as an important bridge that helps 
                bring us together. At our core, we share deep ties of 
                culture and family, and respect for the fundamental 
                rights of democratic States. Through good times and 
                bad, we share a common commitment to security and 
                liberty for people around the world. On this day, let 
                us reflect on nearly two centuries of strong bonds 
                between our nations, and let us recommit to working 
                together to strengthen our respective democracies.

                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, 2016, as 
                Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration 
                of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon the people 
                of the United States to observe this day with 
                appropriate ceremonies and activities.

[[Page 17600]]

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

[FR Doc. 2016-07222
Filed 3-28-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P