    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9709 of March 22, 2018

    Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and
    American Democracy, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    On this celebration of Greek Independence Day, we reflect on the common
    bonds of history and heritage that connect the United States and Greece.
    Our nations share cultural, economic, and defense interests, but the
    foundation of our abiding friendship is our unwavering commitment to
    liberty and our shared love of democratic institutions.
    As the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy,
    Greece has a rich and glorious heritage, resplendent in its influential
    contributions to literature, philosophy, and science. The ancient Greeks
    fostered the timeless ideal of human liberty, which inspired our
    Nation's Founders as they drafted our Constitution and established our

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    Republic. The legacy of ancient Greece carries on today, as liberty
    continues to serve as a beacon of hope to all who long for a better
    life.
    It was an honor to welcome Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to the
    White House last year. His visit underscored the importance of our
    bilateral relationship and our ongoing strategic cooperation on issues
    such as law enforcement, counterterrorism, and matters of defense,
    energy, commerce, and trade. Greece continues to meet its NATO
    obligations on defense spending and serves as a gracious host for our
    naval forces at Souda Bay. Our Greek-American partnership is strong, and
    we are grateful to have such a tremendous ally and friend in Greece.
    Our nations continue to expand our economic and commercial ties,
    creating jobs and opportunities for investment and trade on both sides
    of the Atlantic. This year, the United States is proud to serve as the
    honored country at the 2018 Thessaloniki International Fair. This
    historic business and trade exhibition will showcase American
    technology, enterprise, and innovation, and will further enhance the
    partnership and cooperation between our great nations.
    In 2018, we also celebrate 70 years of Fulbright Greece, a program of
    educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and Greece.
    Fulbright Greece, the oldest Fulbright program in Europe, is the
    flagship international exchange program sponsored by our Government.
    Since 1948, the program has awarded grants to more than 5,500 Greek and
    American citizens to study, teach, or conduct research, enriching both
    of our countries.
    The United States and Greece have an enduring bond based on mutual
    respect, shared values, and an abiding commitment to freedom and
    sovereignty. More than 1.3 million Americans claim Greek origin. The
    Greek-American community has made countless positive contributions to
    our Nation and has played a vital role in maintaining our strong
    relationship with Greece. On this 197th anniversary celebration of Greek
    Independence Day, we honor Greece as a strong, faithful ally and valued
    partner in promoting peace, liberty, and prosperity around the world.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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, 2018, 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-second day
    of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    second.
    DONALD J. TRUMP