United States President Donald Trump has proclaimed 25 March 2026 as “Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy”, calling on citizens to mark the anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Presidential proclamation on Greek Independence Day
The proclamation, issued on 24 March, links the Greek Revolution of 1821 with the principles of American democracy and emphasises that the two countries share common values such as freedom, self-determination and democratic governance.
Trump highlights the historical role of Greece as the cradle of Western civilisation.
“The miracle of self-government first emerged in Greece, where citizens gained a direct voice in the fate of their country,” the US president states in the proclamation.
Reference to the Greek Revolution of 1821
According to Trump, Greek Independence Day honours the “wisdom and determination of the Greek people, who cast off the bonds of despotism”.
He adds that the Greeks “renewed the promise of liberty that was first born on their ancient soil” and reaffirmed their place as the cradle of Western civilisation.
Referring to the 1821 uprising, he notes that the Greeks launched “a noble struggle that broke the chains of authoritarian rule”, adding that for nearly a decade “their freedom was forged in the flames of conflict and sacrifice”.
Trump also underlined that the effort was based on the belief “that every nation possesses the right to self-determination”.
Links between Greek and American democratic traditions
The US president connects the Greek experience with the American one, noting that the United States was “born in the tradition of democratic self-government”.
He states that Americans believe “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are sacred rights endowed at birth”, adding that oppressed peoples will endure great hardship in order to establish just governance and secure their freedom.
Reference to the Greek-American community
The proclamation also includes a reference to the Greek-American community.
According to Trump, Greek Americans “enrich the story of our nation with their entrepreneurship, their faith in God and their enduring passion”, values which he says have defined the American way of life since 1776.
He also states that Greece stands alongside the United States through its commitment to shared values, the defence of Western ideals and the promotion of international peace.
Anniversary of US independence
Trump notes that the year marks the 250th anniversary of American independence and says the United States draws inspiration from the example of the Greeks “who refused to surrender their sovereignty and kept alive the flame of self-government”.
“Our two nations are allies in liberty, united by history, tested through struggle and confident in the promise of a bright future,” he adds.
The proclamation concludes by stating that the spirit of democracy “was born in Athens and inspired the founders in Philadelphia”, whose dedication to human liberty continues to inspire people on both sides of the Atlantic.
The declaration was issued under the authority granted to the president by the Constitution and laws of the United States, formally designating 25 March 2026 as Greek Independence Day and inviting citizens to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Source: ANA-MPA