    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9851 of March 18, 2019

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

    American Democracy, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation
    On the 198th anniversary of Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the
    rich history and enduring bond between the United States and Greece. Our
    strong alliance and unwavering friendship are rooted in mutual respect
    and a shared commitment to freedom, justice, and democracy.
    The common bond between the United States and Greece is rooted in
    thousands of years of tradition, stretching back to ancient Greece. The
    lessons of ancient Greek democracies are among the greatest and most
    enduring ever taught. From them the world came to know and understand
    the foundational principles of human liberty, self-government, and the
    rule of law--the very principles that fueled America's own drive for
    independence and shaped our Republic. Decades after securing our
    independence, American citizens expressed their appreciation by
    supporting the people of Greece in their fight for their own freedom.
    Today, our Greek-American partnership is robust and gaining momentum.
    The inaugural United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue, held last
    December, and the United States-Greece Commercial Dialogue, held last
    September, highlighted the strength of the bilateral relationship and
    bolstered confidence in Greece as a regional leader. We applaud the
    historic 2019 decision of the Greek Parliament to ratify the Prespa
    Agreement, which resolved the long-standing naming dispute with North
    Macedonia. This ratification confirmed Greece's role as a partner with
    an abiding commitment to advancing stability, security, and prosperity
    in the region. Additionally, the 2018 Thessaloniki International Fair
    forged opportunities for enhanced collaboration in technology,
    enterprise, and innovation.
    Our common vision for a peaceful and prosperous region is particularly
    evident in our ongoing defense relationship. The rotation of NATO
    aircraft and equipment through Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli, the
    complex bilateral training events, and the availability of Souda Bay for
    the naval forces of the United States reflect mutually beneficial
    cooperation to ensure our mutual strength and security. Our bilateral
    relationship has also afforded many opportunities to support
    partnerships and initiatives that address the areas of defense and
    security, law enforcement and counterterrorism, and energy security and
    diversification.
    The strong people-to-people ties that undergird our friendship also
    serve to fortify our alliance. We continue to identify opportunities to
    increase student and professional exchanges and English language
    programs. These programs make tremendous contributions to the economic,
    cultural, and political power of our two great democracies. This summer,
    we will launch the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program with Greece to
    develop the next generation of leaders who will sustain and enhance our
    strong partnership.
    On this day, we honor the shared values that bind our two countries as
    faithful allies and friends, and we recognize the profound impact

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    Greek-Americans have had on every aspect of our culture. Together,
    recalling the spirit of the ancient Greeks, we reaffirm our abiding
    belief that democratic institutions offer the greatest opportunity to
    safeguard human rights, dignity, and freedom for all.
    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, 2019, 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 eighteenth day of
    March, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP