U.S. President Barack Obama praises Greece as friend, partner and ally as well as for the solidarity the country shows for thousands of refugees. At the same time he recognizes the great contribution of the Greek American community which serves as an important bridge that helps bring the two nations together together.
President Obama issued a proclamation on the eve of Greek National Holiday, declaring March 25, 2016 Greek Independence Day, a national day of celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
The official ceremony will take place at the White House, on April 4, in the presence of President Obama, Vice President Biden and Archbishop Demetrios, followed by a dinner at the Blair House.
Also the Secretary of State John Kerry in statement sent his best wishes on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, to the people of Greece on the 195th anniversary of your independence.
OBAMA PROCLAMATION
Inspired by ancient Greece’s example, America’s Founding Fathers drew on Hellenic principles to guide our democracy in its nascence. Nearly half a century after the Stars and Stripes first flew over our country, a flag was raised on a mountaintop in Greece, and a revolution spawned that would bring democracy back to its birthplace and lay the cornerstone of the close relationship enjoyed by our two nations. On the 195th anniversary of Greece’s independence, we celebrate the friendship between our countries and honor the contributions that Greek Americans have made to our national character.
Our common histories are reflected in our shared values. Throughout our storied pasts, our peoples have upheld the fundamental ideals we cherish by working together to safeguard the foundation of democracy upon which both our nations are built. Greeks and Americans have long stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of freedom, and today, the Greek American community carries forward the legacy of past Greeks who enlightened our world by continuing to enrich our society in unique ways. Driving generations, the hope that incited both our revolutions still burns in the hearts of Greek Americans and in all those across our country who seek even greater opportunity for our children and grandchildren.
The Greek people have faced extraordinary challenges in recent years, yet they remain steadfast in their resilience and perseverance. In response to an ongoing refugee and migration crisis, Greece is providing humanitarian assistance to countless men, women, and children seeking freedom from persecution and violence. As Americans, we stand with Greece as partners, friends, and NATO allies, and the Greek American community serves as an important bridge that helps bring us together. At our core, we share deep ties of culture and family, and respect for the fundamental rights of democratic States. Through good times and bad, we share a common commitment to security and liberty for people around the world. On this day, let us reflect on nearly two centuries of strong bonds between our nations, and let us recommit to working together to strengthen our respective democracies.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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, 2016, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. 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 sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA
KERRY’S STATEMENT
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend best wishes to the people of Greece on the 195th anniversary of your independence.
Last fall, I had the privilege of visiting Athens and reiterating the United States’ strong support and unwavering commitment to our longtime partnership. Our nations are united by a shared belief in democracy and liberty – first articulated in the agoras of ancient Greece and then serving as inspiration to America’s own Founding Fathers.
In our bilateral relationship, we work together to promote regional stability, trade and investment, and the diversification of energy resources. The United States and Greece maintain strong bilateral military ties. As a NATO Ally, Greece is helping to secure Europe’s borders and deter smuggling in the Aegean Sea. We are also grateful for Greece’s efforts in the Counter-ISIL coalition as we work together to destroy Daesh.
We commend the humanitarian spirit of the Greek people who continue to respond with generosity and compassion to the unprecedented number of migrants and refugees fleeing persecution, conflict, and economic hardship. The United States is proud to stand in solidarity with Greece, Europe, and the broader region as we face together this challenge of historic proportions.
As you celebrate this momentous occasion, the American people wish you peace, prosperity, and safety over the coming year.
US OFFICIAL TRAVELS TO GREECE
Heather Higginbottom, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, will travel to Lesvos, Greece and Geneva, Switzerland, was announced by the Department of State.
Deputy Secretary Higginbottom’s trip to Greece on March 28 underscores the U.S. Government’s support for Greece’s efforts to manage flows of refugees and migrants humanely.
“During the visit, she will visit facilities involved in registering newly arrived migrants and talk to young refugees at a local center. She will meet with other delegations to discuss how the United States can work with partners to expand and improve the global effort to assist refugees, through significant new commitments in increased funding for UN humanitarian appeals, refugee resettlement, integration, and self-reliance”.
The spokesman states that the United States has an abiding interest in the welfare of refugees and migrants, including those who are risking their lives in a desperate attempt to find safety in Europe.
“In Fiscal Year 2016, the U.S. Government has provided nearly $24 million in humanitarian assistance to UNHCR for the refugee emergency in Europe, including for its operations in Greece. The United States will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate efforts with those of the EU and affected countries, supporting efforts to respond to this challenging situation in a way that respects the human rights and humanitarian needs of refugees and migrants”.
Following the trip to Greece, Deputy Secretary Higginbottom will proceed to Geneva, where on March 30 she will head the U.S. delegation to the UNHCR-hosted meeting on Global Responsibility Sharing through Pathways for Admission of Syrian Refugees.
Source: greeknewsonline.com
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