[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 10 (Monday, March 12, 2001)]
[Page 405]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7414--Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration 
of Greek and American Democracy, 2001

 March 5, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Our democratic system of government traces its earliest roots back 
to ancient Greece. The leaders of the Revolution and the Framers of the 
Constitution often drew inspiration from Athenian lawgivers and 
philosophers and called the Greek example to mind as they sought to 
build the new nation on the foundations of representative government and 
free political discourse. The Greeks of 1821 drew inspiration, in turn, 
from the ideals and institutions of the fledgling United States as they 
waged their own struggle for liberty. In 2001, a vibrant Greek democracy 
serves once again as an inspiration to its neighbors and the world.
    Our two countries have stood together as friends and allies from the 
time America embraced modern Greece's struggle for independence 180 
years ago. We fought together in every major war of the last century: 
World War I through the Persian Gulf. For more than 50 years, we have 
worked together in NATO: first to keep the peace in Europe and now to 
build peace and stability in the Balkans. We look forward to continued 
cooperation as we celebrate the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad together in 
Athens in 2004. Our alliance with Greece remains strong, and its future 
is promising.
    Greeks and Americans share a love of freedom, liberty, and 
individual rights. The friendship between our two Nations is based on 
mutual respect, a commitment to common goals, and the sharing of 
fundamental values. Ties of blood and kinship also unite us: the modern 
community of approximately 3 million Greek Americans has established a 
natural and enduring bridge between our nations. Today, we take special 
note of those citizens and thank them for their innumerable 
contributions to our Nation's cultural, economic, and political 
heritage.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2001, as ``Greek 
Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American 
Democracy.'' I call upon all 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 fifth day of 
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 7, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
8.