WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump officially proclaimed March 25, 2026, as “Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy” in the U.S.
He is set to hold an event at the White House on Thursday afternoon in honor of what he described as the historic ties between the two nations.
FILE – Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America gives U.S. President Donald Trump a holy cross during a Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House on March 24, 2025 in Washington. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
“This Greek Independence Day, we commemorate the wisdom and resolve of the Greek people, who cast off the chains of despotism, renewed the promise of freedom first born on their ancient soil, and reasserted their rightful place as the cradle of Western civilization,” Trump said in a proclamation.
Trump emphasized the deep historical roots of democracy, noting that the concept of self-government “first dawned in Greece,” where citizens were given “a direct voice” in shaping their nation’s future.
The Greek War of Independence began on March 25, 1821, when Greek revolutionaries launched a revolution and fought for freedom after centuries of authoritarian rule.
“As America marks 250 glorious years of independence, we draw inspiration from the example of the Greek people who refused to surrender their sovereignty and preserved the flame of self-government,” Trump said, with the proclamation also underscoring the modern alliance between the U.S. and Greece, noting their shared values, commitment to Western ideals, and cooperation in promoting global peace.
“Together, our two nations are allies in freedom, united by history, tested by struggle, and confident in the promise of a radiant future. On this 205th Greek Independence Day, we celebrate that enduring spirit, which first stirred in Athens and inspired our Founding Fathers in Philadelphia, whose genius and devotion to the cause of human freedom will never cease to inspire people on both sides of the Atlantic,” Trump added.
FILE – President Donald Trump signs a proclamation for Greek Independence Day alongside Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America during a Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House on March 24, 2025 in Washington. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
After years of conflict and sacrifice, Greece ultimately secured its independence, establishing a sovereign nation grounded in democratic ideals.
The proclamation highlights that both Greece and the U.S. were founded on the principles of liberty and self-rule. It states that each nation’s history demonstrates how people will endure hardship to “secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their children.”
The statement also recognizes the contributions of the Greek American community, describing it as an important part of the American story through its cultural, economic, and civic influence.
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Trump urged Americans to mark the occasion with “appropriate ceremonies and activities,” continuing a long-standing tradition of recognizing Greek Independence Day at the national level.