National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy

National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy is an annual celebration on March 25^th to commemorate the historical contributions of both Greeks and Greek Americans.

Americans celebrated Greek independence during the first years of the new nation. In 1824, summarizing support for the American people's struggle in Greece, then Representative Henry Clay stated, "It is felt with the deepest intensity, expressed in the every form possible, and it increases with each passing day and hour." His words resonate today as Americans celebrate this independence struggle.

The relationship between Greece and the United States rests heavily on the vision of democracy and freedom forged in Greece. In building a modern democratic framework, the founders of our Nation relied on the immutable principles of the ancient Greeks. All those who cherish the ideal of democratic governance are beneficiaries of the Greek legacy.

From our children's-taught literature to the glittering monuments of our Nation's capital, the Greek cultural tradition has also found a home in the United States. Across the country, many students remain passionate about Homer's epic, Sophocles' drama, and the philosophical creations of Plato and Aristotle. Among the Greek-influenced structures in Washington, D.C., our Capitol is based on the architectural heritage of the ancient Greeks.

In recent history, Greece and the United States have stood together to meet the challenges of our time. The Greeks and Americans fought for common goals throughout the 20th century and continue to cooperate this century, including becoming members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The strength of the relationship between Greece and the United States is exemplified by the Greek-American community, the Greek-American community that has enriched our Nation with cultural heritage and helped maintain the relationship between our nations.

As the result, on National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, we always celebrate this friendship and look forward to realizing our common goals and aspirations.