George Tsounis: US and Greece at the forefront of the battle between democratic values ​​and tyranny

The dream of the Republic was born here, in Greece, and it was the one that inspired the founding of the United States and united our two peoples, stressed the US Ambassador to Greece George Tsounisspeaking, last night, at the reception given by the US Consulate General in Thessaloniki at Anatolia College, for the 4th of July, Independence Day.

He noted that “today, our countries are on the front lines of the battle between democratic values ​​and tyranny“As we see a sovereign European state facing a frontal invasion,” he said, adding that “our collective response today will determine the future of our world tomorrow.”

“Today, we celebrate the ‘Declaration of Independence’ of the United States of America. We celebrate the search for a nation and a diverse group of people – representing all walks of life, all sexual orientations, beliefs or religious beliefs – who came together 246 years ago and remain united by a common dream of equality and its “hunt”. of life, freedom and happiness for all “, stressed the American ambassador, pointing out that” this dream of democracy was born here in Greece “.

“This dream of democracy inspired the founding of the United States. He united our peoples as many brave Americans united with the Greeks and fought bravely on their side for the independence of Greece 201 years ago, with the cry “Freedom or Death!”. It is the promise we share since then, that the flame of democracy will never go out “, Mr. Tsounis stated characteristically, pointing out that” we have the sacred obligation to love and protect these democratic values ​​”.

The American ambassador also referred to the special bond and friendship shared between the USA and Greece, which were forged through the joint struggle for the defense of the values ​​that led to the birth of our two nations, he referred to his parents’ immigration to the United States in search of a better life, the principles and values ​​that were passed on to him, the blessing of living the “American dream”, but also the honor he felt that he returned to his roots to serve as US ambassador.

Elizabeth Lee – Our two nations were inspired by each other

For her part, US Consul General in Thessaloniki Elizabeth Lee said that “the history of the United States and Greece is a story of just that – two partners joining forces to become a whole” and citing Aristotle stressed that this set is even stronger than the sum of the two parts.

“Our two nations took great inspiration from each other as each of us was forged in twin struggles, a few decades apart, for independence and self-determination. “But our nations share not only a historic commitment to democracy and the values ​​it embodies, but also a common history among our peoples.”

Referring to US companies investing in Thessaloniki, such as Pfizer, Deloitte, Cisco and AWS, the US Consul General said she was proud that the United States was at the forefront of preparing young people in Greece to lead this exciting new emerging economy. and is based on knowledge, while addressing the attendees she noted characteristically: “no matter how fascinating these developments are, it is not the threads on which our history is woven, but you yourself – members of your communities and cities, leaders, educators , artists – who are committed to excellence in your fields, to common democratic values ​​and to the continuous improvement of northern Greece. “You are each one of the great pillars of our great history, as it continues to grow and deepen,” said Elizabeth Lee.

Both the US Ambassador and the Consul General thanked all those who responded to the invitation and were “present” at tonight’s reception, as well as Anatolia College and its President Panos Vlachos for the “invaluable cooperation”, and raised their glass with a toast to Greek philosophy and the concepts that inspired the founders of the American state “and continue to inspire our work today.” Earlier, the president of Anatolia College, Panos Vlachos, also addressed a greeting.

At the reception of the US Consulate General for the 4th of July, the “present” was given -among others- the Deputy Minister of Interior (Macedonia and Thrace) Stavros Kalafatis, the Governor of Central Macedonia Apostolos Tzitzikostas, MPs, the Head of the Office in Thessaloniki , representatives of the Local Government, military, religious, academic authorities and institutions, etc.

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