[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