President Joe Biden, on March 29, continued the White House tradition of hosting a reception to celebrate Greek Independence Day, a tradition started by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.
Last Friday, Biden issued a proclamation marking March 25 as Greek Independence Day—“A national day of celebration of Greek and American Democracy.”
Hundreds of Greek nationals and Americans attended the event recognizing the people who fought for Greece’s independence against the Ottomans, which started in 1821 and continued through 1832.
Greek independence was declared in January 1822.
At the ceremony, Biden quoted the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. “He is said to have discussed the simple yet profound wisdom. He said, ‘Know thyself.’ ‘Know thyself,’” Biden said
“Well, to truly know America, we have to know the history and our hopes—you have to know a little about Greece to really understand it,” Biden added.
“Ancient Athenian democracy helped inspire the framers of our democracy to forge a new system of self-government,” Biden’s proclamation said.
“Just a few decades later, in 1821, when the courageous 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 fight for freedom,” the proclamation continued. “During World War II, Greeks and Americans joined together against the forces of fascism, understanding in their cores that democracy is worth the sacrifice.”
“The world owes a great deal of debt to Greece, including the revolutionary idea of democracy—and it was revolutionary at the time—which continues to deliver for the people to this day,” Biden said at the March 29 ceremony, noting that he was hosting the second international Summit for Democracy.
“Greece is woven into the very foundations of our democracy and of our nation,” Biden added. “We see it across this city, from the columns of the Capitol to the figures that flank the Supreme Court, inspired by Themis, the Greek goddess of law and justice. And more than that, we feel it in our nation’s soul because we are governed as ‘We the People.’
“So, today and every day, Greek independence is a celebration for Americans and Greeks alike,” Biden added. “It gives us the chance to honor this history that binds us to the values that unite us: liberty, equality, dignity, and democracy.”
The State Department hosted a dinner at the White House presidential guest house on March 28 in honor of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who delivered an address at the March 29 White House Greek Independence Day ceremony before Biden spoke.
Alexandra Papadopoulou, the ambassador of Greece to the United States, Marios Lysiotis, the Cypriot ambassador, and George Tsunis, the United States ambassador to Greece, were among the dignitaries who attended.
“The United States was founded on the principles and ideals established in Greece, democracy being the most important of them,” Tsunis said. “Our two countries share a sacred responsibility to protect democracy. The relationship between the U.S. and Greece has never been better and contributes to peace and stability in the region.
“Greece is clearly an indispensable ally of the United States, and [the two countries] always act with principle and are always on the right side of history,” Tsunis added.
Elpidophoros represented the Greek-American community at the reception and said that Biden is “not just a friend, but a true champion for freedom around the world.”
“Particularly on behalf of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, who are fighting for their very lives against inhuman and irrational aggression,” Elpidoporus remarked. “You have stood with Ukraine on every step of this long and difficult path, and for that, we are very grateful.”
