[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9091--MAR. 24, 2014


Proclamation 9091 of March 24, 2014

Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and

American Democracy, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

lmost two centuries ago, the people of Greece laid claim to their
independence and began a long struggle to restore democracy to its
birthplace. Greek Americans crossed oceans to fight for the freedom of
their ancestral homeland, and through two World Wars and a Cold War,
Greece and the United States stood side-by-side. On Greek Independence
Day, we honor the deep connections between our two nations and celebrate
the democratic ideals at the heart of our shared history.
America's form of government owes much to the small group of Greek city-
states that pioneered democracy thousands of years ago. Just as Hellenic
principles guided our Founders, Greek antiquity has inspired
generations, from writers and activists to architects and inventors.
Greek Americans have contributed as leaders of culture, community,
business, and government. Through the generations, they have helped
shape our enduring democracy--a Nation that accepts our obligations to
one another and understands that we must rise and fall as one.
Greece is a valued NATO ally, and our friendship remains as strong as
ever. As Greece takes tough action to rebuild its economy and bring
relief to the Greek people, the United States offers our continued
support. Today, let us reaffirm a bond that extends beyond government,
connects our peoples, and inspires all who strive to choose their own
destiny.
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, 2014, 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-fourth day
of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA