[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 13 (Monday, April 3, 2000)]
[Pages 633-634]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7283--Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration 
of Greek and American Democracy, 2000

March 24, 2000

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Two thousand five hundred years ago, the birth of democracy in 
Greece ushered in one of the true golden ages of Western civilization. 
The flowering of political, social, and artistic innovation in Greece 
served as the source of many of our most treasured gifts--the philosophy 
of Plato and Socrates, the plays of Sophocles and Aristophanes, the 
heroic individualism that rings in the epic 
poetry of Homer.
    But Ancient Greece's greatest legacy is the establishment of 
democratic government. America's founders were deeply influenced by the 
passion for truth and justice that guided Greek political theory. In 
ratifying our

[[Page 634]]

Constitution, they forever enshrined these principles in American law 
and created a system of government based on the Hellenic belief that the 
authority to govern derives directly from the people.
    While our democracy has its roots in Greek thought, the friendship 
between our two nations flows from our shared values, common goals, and 
mutual respect. This kinship with the Greek people was reflected in the 
enthusiasm with which America embraced modern Greece's fight for 
independence 179 years ago. Many Americans fought alongside the Greeks, 
while stirring speeches by President James Monroe and Daniel Webster led 
the Congress to send funds and supplies to aid the Greeks in their 
struggle for freedom.
    Our alliance with Greece has remained strong. Together we have stood 
up to the forces of oppression in conflicts from World War II to the 
Persian Gulf, we have joined as strategic partners in NATO, and we have 
worked to build peace, stability, and prosperity in the Balkans. Through 
decades of challenge and change, our friendship has endured and 
deepened, and together we have proved the fundamental truth of the Greek 
proverb, ``The passion for freedom never dies.''
    That passion for freedom has also beckoned generations of Greek men 
and women to America's shores, and today we celebrate and give thanks 
for the myriad contributions Greek Americans have made to our national 
life. More than a million citizens of Greek descent live in America 
today, and their devotion to family, faith, community, and country has 
enriched our society immeasurably.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton,  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, 2000, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of 
Greek and American Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this 
day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
    In Witness Whereof,  I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth 
day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fourth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 28, 
2000]

 Note: This proclamation was published in the  Federal Register  on 
March 29. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.