Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2026

Proclamation 11018 of March 24, 2026

Greek Independence Day: A National Day of
Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2026

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

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.

Long before our Nation took up the torch of liberty 250
years ago, the miracle of self-government first dawned
in Greece, where citizens were granted a direct voice
in the destiny of their country. This spirit sustained
the Greek people through centuries of occupation and
hardship at the hands of foreign rulers. With rugged
bravery, pride in their past, and confidence in their
future, they launched a revolution on March 25, 1821,
embarking on a noble crusade that shattered the chains
of authoritarian rule that had bound them for
centuries. For almost a decade, their freedom was
successfully forged in the fiery heat of conflict and
sacrifice, sustained by their faith in the timeless
truth that every nation is endowed with the right to
self-determination.

Like Greece, the United States was born in the
tradition of republican self-rule and is sustained by
citizens who believe that life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness are our sacred birthright. The
histories of our two nations testify that an oppressed
people will endure any trial to establish a truly just
government, defend their inheritance at all costs, and
secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and
their children.

Today, the Greek American community enriches the story
of our Nation through their enterprise, faith in God,
and unyielding passion for the principles that have
defined the American way of life since 1776. Greece
stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States in
our values, our commitment to the defense of our
Western ideals, and our devotion to the cause of peace
throughout the world.

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. 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.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2026, as
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration
of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon the people
of the United States to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.