[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