He refers to the historically high level of Greek-American relations, but also to the expanded agenda that characterizes Washington’s bilateral relationship with Athens President Joe Biden in his annual message for the March 25 proclamation as a day to celebrate Greek Independence and as a National Day of Celebration of the Hellenic and American Republics.

As the US president says, “Today, the alliance between Greece and the US is stronger than ever. Together, we are deepening cooperation on climate and energy, trade and investment, pandemic response, disaster relief and more to shape a healthier, more prosperous and fairer world. In the face of Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine, Greece once again demonstrated its moral courage and values ​​– condemning Russia’s aggression and welcoming Ukrainian refugees. Every generation must defeat the mortal enemies of democracy and together, we will continue to show the world that the darkness that leads to totalitarianism can never extinguish the flames of freedom.”

Continuing, Joe Biden speaks in a personal tone about the close ties and friendships he has forged with members of the Greek-American community over the long course of his political career. In this context, he praises the multidimensional contribution that the Greek diaspora has to the happenings of American society, as well as the role they play as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

“As Greece and the United States move into the future together, the family ties and contributions of Greek Americans continue to strengthen our partnership at every turn. Greek Americans have a leadership role in every industry and every community, helping to build an economy that works for all and working for greater social justice for all. I have been blessed with lifelong friendships and political mentors in the Greek-American community and have seen firsthand how Greek culture and values ​​enrich the social fabric of our America,” noted Mr. Biden.

As every year, in the message of the American president reference is made to shared values that connect the two countries but also in the Athenian democracy, which was a source of inspiration for the fathers of American democracy.

“Today, we honor the heroism of the Greek revolutionaries who fought for their independence more than two centuries ago and celebrate the sacred idea that has always united our great nations: that ‘we the people’ have the power to shape our destiny. The story of our shared values ​​and our common purpose begins with America’s founding, when the ancient Athenian democracy helped inspire the founders of our democracy to fashion a new system of self-government. Just a few decades later, in 1821, when the brave women and men of Greece rose up to declare their own independence from the Ottoman Empire, young patriots from the newly formed United States crossed the Atlantic to support the Greek struggle for freedom. During World War II, Greeks and Americans united against the forces of fascism, deeply understanding that democracy is worth sacrifice.”

End, on the occasion of the anniversary of Greek Independence, which marks 202 years of friendship between the modern Hellenic Republic and the United States, Joe Biden calls on the two countries to recommit to the joint defense of democracy, defending the rights, equality and dignity of all people.

“I, Joseph Biden, 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, 2023, as Greek Independence Day: a National Day of Celebration of the Greek and American Republic. I call upon the people of the United States to commemorate this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”