President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared March 25 a national day honoring the democratic traditions shared by Greece and the United States, marking the 205th anniversary of Greek independence.
The proclamation designated the date as “Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy,” and called on Americans to observe the day.
Trump linked the birth of democracy in ancient Athens to the founding ideals of the United States, stating that Greek self-government inspired America’s Founding Fathers. The declaration honors the Greek War of Independence, which began on March 25, 1821, when the Greek people rose up against centuries of Ottoman rule.
The proclamation came as the United States prepares to mark its own 250th anniversary of independence this year. Trump said Americans continue to draw inspiration from Greece’s long fight for freedom, describing the two countries as “allies in freedom, united by history.”
