    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 12 (Monday, March 28, 1994)]
    [Pages 638-639]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 6659--Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration
    of Greek and American Democracy, 1994

    March 25, 1994

    By the President of the United States

    of America

    A Proclamation

        In voicing support of the Greek battle for independence, President
    Monroe expressed the American sense of fellowship that endures to this
    day, ``A strong hope has been entertained, founded on the heroic
    struggle of the Greeks . . . that Greece will become again an
    independent nation. That she may obtain that rank is the object of our
    most ardent wishes.''
        Throughout the history of our sovereign nations, the unique bond
    that exists between the peoples of the United States and Greece has
    grown from the knowledge that we share a common cause--our profound
    devotion to advancing the ideals of democracy. Drawing on the wisdom of
    Hellenic philosophy, America's Founding Fathers crafted a Nation that
    realizes the early promise of representative government. From the
    gleaming white columns of ancient Athens to the shining monuments of
    Washington, DC, the spirits and symbols of our capital cities reflect
    our deeply-held commitment to promoting individual freedom and human
    dignity.
        This year, as Americans and Greeks rejoice in witnessing the
    formation of new democracies where old adversaries once stood, the
    traditional celebration of Greek Independence Day reveals the true
    legacy of Greek and American liberty. To mark both the triumph of
    freedom and the coming of spring in their rich land, one custom
    prescribes that Greek children remove the ``March-thread'' they have
    worn on their wrists throughout the month. As the swallows return from
    their winter in the South, the children hang the threads on a tree, an
    offering to the birds for their nests. These ties, once a reminder of
    the bleakness of winter, become the seeds of springtime's rebirth.
        In much the same way, brave young nations around the world are
    throwing off the last vestiges of authoritarian rule and awak-

    [[Page 639]]

    ening to the rich possibilities of freedom's spring. They are emerging
    from their own fierce campaigns for independence and modeling their
    governments on the steady examples we have set. Encouraged by the
    triumphs of our histories and the continuity of our friendship, Greeks
    and Americans everywhere join today in wishing the world's newest
    democracies a future worthy of our past--one of great prosperity and
    lasting peace.
        In recognition of the close bond that has been forged between the
    nations of the United States and Greece, and to reaffirm the democratic
    principles from which they draw their strength, the Congress, by Senate
    Joint Resolution 162, has designated March 25, 1994, as ``Greek
    Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American
    Democracy'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue a
    proclamation in observance of this day.
        Now, Therefore, I , William J. Clinton, President of the United
    States of America, do hereby proclaim March 25, 1994, as Greek
    Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American
    Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day, the 173rd
    anniversary of the beginning of the Greek revolution against the Ottoman
    Empire, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in honor
    of the Greek people and Greek independence.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth
    day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four,
    and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred
    and eighteenth.
                                                William J. Clinton

    [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:47 p.m., March 25,
    1994]

    Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on
    March 29.