[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 12 (Monday, March 24, 2003)]
[Page 341]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7654--Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration 
of Greek and American Democracy, 2003

March 18, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    After nearly 400 years of rule by the Ottomans, Greece declared its 
independence on March 25, 1821. Long before that, ancient Athenians 
created a Greek culture that valued human liberty and dignity, and 
modern Greeks have demonstrated that preserving freedom is a powerful 
motivating force. Today, on Greek Independence Day, we recognize the 
ancient Greek influence in framing our own Constitution and celebrate 
the Greek-American heritage that continues to strengthen our communities 
and enrich our society.
    Bound by history, mutual respect, and common ideals, America and 
Greece have been firm allies in the great struggles for liberty. Our 
countries fought together in every major twentieth-century war, and 
today, we remain united in the war against terror that threatens the 
future of every nation. We are working together to achieve peace and 
prosperity in the Balkans and southeastern Mediterranean. As the current 
president of the European Union, Greece is also playing a critical role 
in our efforts to confront many other global problems that affect our 
nations and our world.
    Our commitment to the friendship between our two nations has grown 
from strong bonds of tradition and shared fundamental values. On Greek 
Independence Day, I encourage all Americans to recognize the countless 
contributions Greek Americans have made to our country. Embodying the 
independence and creativity that have made our country strong, their 
proud history is a source of inspiration for our Nation and our world.
    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, 2003, 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 eighteenth day 
of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 20, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
21.