[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