[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 59 (Tuesday, March 27, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 13097-13098]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06303]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 59 / Tuesday, March 27, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 13097]]

                Proclamation 9709 of March 22, 2018

                
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of 
                Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                On this celebration of Greek Independence Day, we 
                reflect on the common bonds of history and heritage 
                that connect the United States and Greece. Our nations 
                share cultural, economic, and defense interests, but 
                the foundation of our abiding friendship is our 
                unwavering commitment to liberty and our shared love of 
                democratic institutions.

                As the cradle of Western civilization and the 
                birthplace of democracy, Greece has a rich and glorious 
                heritage, resplendent in its influential contributions 
                to literature, philosophy, and science. The ancient 
                Greeks fostered the timeless ideal of human liberty, 
                which inspired our Nation's Founders as they drafted 
                our Constitution and established our Republic. The 
                legacy of ancient Greece carries on today, as liberty 
                continues to serve as a beacon of hope to all who long 
                for a better life.

                It was an honor to welcome Greek Prime Minister Alexis 
                Tsipras to the White House last year. His visit 
                underscored the importance of our bilateral 
                relationship and our ongoing strategic cooperation on 
                issues such as law enforcement, counterterrorism, and 
                matters of defense, energy, commerce, and trade. Greece 
                continues to meet its NATO obligations on defense 
                spending and serves as a gracious host for our naval 
                forces at Souda Bay. Our Greek-American partnership is 
                strong, and we are grateful to have such a tremendous 
                ally and friend in Greece.

                Our nations continue to expand our economic and 
                commercial ties, creating jobs and opportunities for 
                investment and trade on both sides of the Atlantic. 
                This year, the United States is proud to serve as the 
                honored country at the 2018 Thessaloniki International 
                Fair. This historic business and trade exhibition will 
                showcase American technology, enterprise, and 
                innovation, and will further enhance the partnership 
                and cooperation between our great nations.

                In 2018, we also celebrate 70 years of Fulbright 
                Greece, a program of educational and cultural exchanges 
                between the United States and Greece. Fulbright Greece, 
                the oldest Fulbright program in Europe, is the flagship 
                international exchange program sponsored by our 
                Government. Since 1948, the program has awarded grants 
                to more than 5,500 Greek and American citizens to 
                study, teach, or conduct research, enriching both of 
                our countries.

                The United States and Greece have an enduring bond 
                based on mutual respect, shared values, and an abiding 
                commitment to freedom and sovereignty. More than 1.3 
                million Americans claim Greek origin. The Greek-
                American community has made countless positive 
                contributions to our Nation and has played a vital role 
                in maintaining our strong relationship with Greece. On 
                this 197th anniversary celebration of Greek 
                Independence Day, we honor Greece as a strong, faithful 
                ally and valued partner in promoting peace, liberty, 
                and prosperity around the world.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2018,

[[Page 13098]]

                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.

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

[FR Doc. 2018-06303
Filed 3-26-18; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P