US president Donald Trump celebrated Greek Independence Day, hosting an event at the White House on Monday.
“The legacy of the Greeks is all around us. It surrounds us,” he told a group from the Greek-American community gathered at the White House before signing a proclamation recognizing March 25 as Greek Independence Day in the US, “celebrating 204 years of glorious Greek sovereignty and freedom.”
“Perhaps the greatest gift we have inherited from this amazing culture is our incredible Greek-American community, now more than 3 million strong,” he added.
The US President was accompanied by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who congratulated him for his re-election.
“We all look forward to a bright future for all Americans,” the Archbishop said, “We are very grateful to you for your support of Greece, and your support for the cause of justice in Cyprus.”
“You remind me of the great Roman Emperor Constantine the Great,” he said and presented him a large Cross.
“On March 25, 1821, Greek patriots began their noble struggle to reclaim their destiny from the grip of a foreign empire, a very powerful foreign empire,” Trump said, referring to the start of the Greek War of Independence.
“We’re doing well, and the Greeks are doing well. They’ll always do well,” the US president said, thanking “some of the wonderful Greek-Americans who work tirelessly by my side.
He specifically mentioned Michael Kratsios, Christos Marafatsos, Gus Bilirakis, Mike Haridopoulos, Jimmy Patronis and Reince Priebus.
“Greek Americans have blessed our country with extraordinary courage, patriotism and tremendous skill,” Trump said. “Under this administration, we will continue to honor the virtues, ideals and spirit of this great heritage.”
Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump’s choice for ambassador to Greece, also attended the ceremony. She said the post would be “the honor and privilege of a lifetime […] to serve a country that I love so much, that is so close to my heart.”
“We celebrate and cherish our rich history and our enduring bond between the United States and Greece,” Guilfoyle said, adding that President Trump “will fight for religious freedom and liberty and for the enduring alliance between Greece and the United States.
Diaspora Diplomacy US 1821 Anniversary
