[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9409 of March 24, 2016

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

American Democracy, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Inspired by ancient Greece's example, America's Founding Fathers drew on
Hellenic principles to guide our democracy in its nascence. Nearly half
a century after the Stars and Stripes first flew over our country, a
flag was raised on a mountaintop in Greece, and a revolution spawned
that would bring democracy back to its birthplace and lay the
cornerstone of the close relationship enjoyed by our two nations. On the
195th anniversary of Greece's independence, we celebrate the friendship
between our countries and honor the contributions that Greek Americans
have made to our national character.
Our common histories are reflected in our shared values. Throughout our
storied pasts, our peoples have upheld the fundamental ideals we cherish
by working together to safeguard the foundation of democracy upon which
both our nations are built. Greeks and Americans have long stood
shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of freedom, and today, the Greek
American community carries forward the legacy of past Greeks who
enlightened our world by continuing to enrich our society in unique
ways. Driving generations, the hope that incited both our revolutions
still burns in the hearts of Greek Americans and in all those across our
country who seek even greater opportunity for our children and
grandchildren.
The Greek people have faced extraordinary challenges in recent years,
yet they remain steadfast in their resilience and perseverance. In
response to an ongoing refugee and migration crisis, Greece is providing
humanitarian assistance to countless men, women, and children seeking
freedom from persecution and violence. As Americans, we stand with
Greece as partners, friends, and NATO allies, and the Greek American
community serves as an important bridge that helps bring us together. At
our core, we share deep ties of culture and family, and respect for the
fundamental rights of democratic States. Through good times and bad, we
share a common commitment to security and liberty for people around the
world. On this day, let us reflect on nearly two centuries of strong
bonds between our nations, and let us recommit to working together to
strengthen our respective democracies.
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, 2016, 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 sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA