    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7654 of March 18, 2003

    Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and
    American Democracy, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    After nearly 400 years of rule by the Ottomans, Greece declared its
    independence on March 25, 1821. Long before that, ancient Athenians
    created a Greek culture that valued human liberty and dignity, and
    modern Greeks have demonstrated that preserving freedom is a powerful
    motivating force. Today, on Greek Independence Day, we recognize the
    ancient Greek influence in framing our own Constitution and celebrate
    the Greek-American heritage that continues to strengthen our communities
    and enrich our society.
    Bound by history, mutual respect, and common ideals, America and Greece
    have been firm allies in the great struggles for liberty. Our countries
    fought together in every major twentieth-century war, and today, we
    remain united in the war against terror that threatens the future of
    every nation. We are working together to achieve peace and prosperity in
    the Balkans and southeastern Mediterranean. As the current president of
    the European Union, Greece is also playing a critical

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    role in our efforts to confront many other global problems that affect
    our nations and our world.
    Our commitment to the friendship between our two nations has grown from
    strong bonds of tradition and shared fundamental values. On Greek
    Independence Day, I encourage all Americans to recognize the countless
    contributions Greek Americans have made to our country. Embodying the
    independence and creativity that have made our country strong, their
    proud history is a source of inspiration for our Nation and our world.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2003, 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.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of
    March, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    seventh.
    GEORGE W. BUSH