[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9242 of March 24, 2015

Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and
American Democracy, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since the dawn of our Nation, the United States and Greece have shared a
bond forged through common struggle and deeply rooted in mutual beliefs.
Greek principles guided our Founders as they declared America's
independence, and nearly half a century later, as Greek revolutionaries
fought to throw off the yoke of an empire, they renewed the creed that
unites free people everywhere: ordinary citizens can govern themselves.
Today, we celebrate the Hellenic spirit that has inspired our two great
nations -- separated by an ocean but linked by a shared destiny written
not for us, but by us.
It was the democratic example of ancient Greece from which the founding
generation of Americans drew strength. In our Nation's earliest days, we
sought wisdom from Greek history and philosophy, and we found hope
within the pages of timeless Greek texts. Mindful of the lessons of the
Hellenic story, courageous patriots undertook a bold experiment,
securing the blessings of liberty and laying the foundation for more
than two centuries of progress.
But even in the cradle of democracy, the promise of freedom was not
preordained. More than 2,000 years after the values of self-
determination first found expression in a small group of Hellenic city-
states, the Greek people stood up against tyranny and sacrificed to
restore democracy to its birthplace. They met brutal hardship with
unbreakable character, drew inspiration from America's revolution, and
never lost faith in the ideals Greece has always represented.
As Americans and Greeks, we are heirs to a long legacy of hard-won
freedom and justice -- values which we must not only preserve, but renew
and refresh in our own time. Generations of Greek Americans have
enriched the United States and strengthened our communities. Their
heritage and vibrant culture are reflected in our story of achievement
and constant striving; their voices are among the chorus of citizens who
have driven this country inexorably forward. Today, as Greece works to
lay a foundation for long-term prosperity, our Nation continues to
support our friend and NATO ally and to help the Greek people reach for
the future so many have sought -- one where all

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women and men are free to pursue their dreams, realize their potential,
and secure a brighter tomorrow for their children.
Together, we continue the righteous task of perfecting our two nations.
On the 194th anniversary of Greek independence, let us celebrate the
enduring ties between our peoples and stand with those around the world
who long for liberty and the chance to join in the noble work of
building a democracy.
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, 2015, 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 fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA