    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 13 (Monday, March 29, 2004)]
    [Pages 472-473]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 7764--Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration
    of Greek and American Democracy, 2004

     March 25, 2004

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        The love of liberty that helped shape our Constitution has deep
    roots in the spirit of ancient Greece. As we observe Greek Independence
    Day, we celebrate the timeless democratic principles that all freedom-
    loving people cherish.
        To continue to strengthen and spread liberty around the world, the
    values and traditions of democracy must be passed on to each new
    generation. In 1821, our Nation supported the cause of Greek
    independence when the brave men and women of Greece began their long
    struggle for liberty. This struggle continued through the end of World
    War II. On the anniversary of the Greek Declaration of Independence, we
    honor the courage of these proud patriots and celebrate our nations'
    shared commitment to democracy.
        Today, Greece and America are strong allies and strategic partners
    in the great struggles for liberty and the global war on terror. We are
    working together to bring a fair and lasting settlement to Cyprus. We
    look forward to a future of continued friendship and collaboration
    between our two great nations as we advance peace and democracy in the
    world.
        In celebrating Greek Independence Day, we are also grateful for the
    many ways Greek Americans have enriched our communities and strengthened
    our country.
        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, 2004, 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 and activities.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth
    day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
    eighth.
                                                    George W. Bush

     [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:38 a.m., March 26,
    2004]

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

    [[Page 473]]