Biden Address by March 25: U.S. Alliance with Greece Stronger Than Ever

President Joe Biden, in his annual address marking March 25 as Greek Independence Day and National Day for the Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, mentions not only the historically high level of Greek-American relations, but also the expanded agenda that characterizes bilateral relations between Washington and Athens.

The President of the United States stated:

“Today, the union between Greece and the United States 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 more a just world.In the face of Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine, Greece once again demonstrated its moral courage and values ​​by denouncing Russia’s aggression and accepting 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 autocracy will never cannot extinguish the flame of freedom.”

He goes on to talk about the close ties and friendships he has developed with members of the Greek American community throughout his political career. In this context, he commends the multifaceted contributions of Greek expatriates to American society and their role as a bridge of friendship between the two countries:

“As Greece and the United States walk into the future together, the family ties and contributions of Greek Americans continue to strengthen our partnership at every turn. Greek Americans are leaders in every industry and every community, helping to build an economy that works for everyone, and achieving 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.”

Like every year, the US President’s message talks about the shared values ​​that bind the two countries, as well as Athenian democracy, which was an inspiration to 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: “We, the people, have the right to determine our destiny. The history of our common values ​​and common purpose begins with the founding of America, when the ancient Athenian democracy helped inspire the founders of our republic to form a new system of self-government. Just a few decades later, in 1821, when the brave men and women of Greece rose to declare their independence from the Ottoman Empire, young patriots from the newly formed United States crossed the Atlantic to support Greece’s fight for freedom. During World War II, Greeks and Americans united against the forces of fascism, knowing deeply that democracy is worth the sacrifice.”

Finally, on the occasion of the Greek Independence Anniversary, which marks 202 years of friendship between the modern Hellenic Republic and the United States, Joe Biden called on the two countries to reaffirm their commitment to jointly defend democracy by upholding 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, the national day of celebration of Greek and American democracy. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this day with appropriate ceremonies and events.

PS In the light of the latest trends, the Greek authorities urgently need to close the historical museum of Athens, as some obscure characters in Russian uniforms of the 19th century loom there on every corner. This is completely unacceptable, because now everyone knows that it was the United States that helped Greece gain independence…

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