Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2021
| Citation | 86 FR 16283 |
| Record Number | 2021-06536 |
| Published date | 29 March 2021 |
| Section | Presidential Documents |
| Court | Executive Office Of The President |
Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 58 (Monday, March 29, 2021)
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 58 (Monday, March 29, 2021)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 16283-16284]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06536] Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 58 / Monday, March 29, 2021 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 16283]]
Proclamation 10161 of March 24, 2021
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of
Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2021
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Exactly 200 years ago, inspired by the same ideals of
liberty, self-governance, and passionate belief in
democracy that sparked the American Revolution, the
people of Greece declared their independence. Today,
the people of the United States join the Greek people
in commemorating the creation of the modern Greek
state--and celebrating two centuries of enduring
friendship between our nations.
On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the history and
values that unite the United States of America and the
Hellenic Republic. Our Founding Fathers drew
inspiration from ancient Greece's example as they
framed our Constitution and formed the world's first
modern democracy. A few decades later, American
Philhellenes championed Greece's quest for
independence, forging a close connection between our
peoples that has flourished over the ensuing years.
During the course of my career, I have had the
privilege to work closely with many Greek Prime
Ministers. I have been blessed by lifelong friendships
in the Greek-American community, including with a great
leader whom we recently lost, Senator Paul Sarbanes.
From a young age, I have admired the courage, decency,
and honor that defines the Greek community--the
unwillingness to bend or bow in the face of injustice,
or to accept abuses of power.
Today, Greece is a crucial NATO ally and friend of the
United States, and a leader for peace and prosperity in
the Eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Western
Balkans regions. The United States welcomes Greece's
commitment to hosting the United States Naval Support
Activity at Souda Bay, Crete, and United States
rotational forces elsewhere in Greece. Through our
ongoing Strategic Dialogue, we have advanced our
relationship in nearly every respect. We have
accelerated progress on making the region a safer
place, and we have increased trade and investment that
brings jobs and prosperity to the people of our nations
and to the world.
Our strong and historic relationship continues to grow
in depth and breadth. We have diversified the region's
energy sources, enhanced educational and cultural
exchanges, partnered on counterterrorism, and
reconfirmed our commitment to the rule of law. As we
honor our shared history and accomplishments, we
believe the common values that have guided our
societies for 200 years will help us accomplish even
more together in the years to come.
This bicentennial reminds Americans and Greeks alike of
the enduring strength of the principles that sparked
our respective revolutions and the values that uphold
our democracies. We congratulate Hellenic-American
organizations, the estimated three million Americans of
Greek descent, and the Greek people on a year of
commemorations and events celebrating this historic
milestone in both the United States and Greece.
Together, we will continue to lift high the lamp of
democracy, whatever challenges come our way.
[[Page 16284]]
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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,
2021, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of
Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, and I call
upon 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
twenty-fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
fifth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2021-06536
Filed 3-26-21; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F1-P
