Press Releases

AHI President and Executive Director Among White House Guests for Celebration of Greek Independence Day

WASHINGTON, DC�On March 28, 2005, the AHI President Gene Rossides and the AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis were among the guests invited by the White House to attend the Greek Independence Day commemoration. President Bush spoke extemporaneously. He praised Greece�s contribution to history and the modern world and congratulated Greece for its exceptional staging of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

On March 25, 2005 President Bush issued the following proclamation:

Greek Independence Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Well before modern Greece gained her independence, the ancient Athenians adopted democratic principles that guided their society. These principles inspired our Founding Fathers to proclaim the imperative of self-government as they worked to build our great Nation. America's love for liberty has deep roots in the spirit of Greece. On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate our special ties of friendship, history, and shared values with Greece.

Our country has welcomed generations of Greek immigrants, and we are grateful for their talents, wisdom, and creativity. We honor the Greek spirit that values family and education, public service and faith. Greek Americans have made a mark in every field�enhancing our culture, enriching our commerce, and defending our freedom. Their strong record of public service has also strengthened our democracy, and their contributions have made America a better place.

As we address the challenges of the 21st century, the United States and Greece remain committed partners in the vital work of advancing freedom and democracy. Our two Nations are founded on shared ideals of liberty, and we are working together to advance those ideals across the world today.

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, 2005, 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 fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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For additional information, please contact C. Franciscos Economides at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information regarding the activities of AHI, please view our Web site at http://www.ahiworld.org.

The American Hellenic Institute is a nonprofit public policy organization that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and also within the American Hellenic community.

1220 16th Street, NW | Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone 202-785-8430 | Fax 202-785-5178 | www.ahiworld.org

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