Trump Hosts Greek Independence Day Celebration at the White House

US President Donald Trump hosted a special event at the White House to celebrate Greek Independence Day, joined by representatives from Greek-American organizations and church officials.

The Trump administration has maintained strong ties with the Greek-American community. Upon taking the podium, Trump addressed the audience, saying, “We love you all.” His remark was followed by a warm greeting of the Greek and Cypriot ambassadors to Washington.

Trump went on to praise the contributions of Greek-Americans in his administration, highlighting that while the world was facing challenges, things have improved under his leadership. He expressed gratitude to the Greek-Americans working in his administration.

He also acknowledged the enduring legacy of the Greek-American community, adding, “Perhaps the greatest gift we have inherited from that amazing culture is our incredible Greek-American community that is now more than three million.”

The president highlighted the importance of groups that helped his campaign like “Greeks for Trump” and individuals such as Christos Marafatsos and Rep. Gus Bilirakis, noting their continued support.

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America also participated in the Greek Independence Day event at the White House, congratulating Trump on his election victory and comparing him to Emperor Constantine the Great, a revered figure in Greek Orthodox tradition. The archbishop presented Trump with a gold cross, symbolizing the connection between the American president and the legacy of Constantine the Great, who, after a divine vision of the Christian cross, is said to have been inspired by the phrase ‘Go with this and be victorious’ (Εν τούτῳ νίκα).

Trump introduced Kimberly Guilfoyle, the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece, calling her a good person and stating that “she represents the Greek culture very well.” Guilfoyle then spoke, praising the president’s leadership and expressing her commitment to strengthening ties with Greece. She mentioned that serving in a country she holds dear, under the guidance and leadership of the most important and powerful president the country has ever seen, is the greatest honor and priviledge of her lifetime. She also acknowledged his deep love for the people of Greece. At the end of her speech, Kimberley Gilfoyle made the sign of the cross in the Orthodox Christian manner, while saying, “God bless you all, thank you for having me.”

Trump called Greek-American Alex Skarlatos to the stage, whom he presented as an American hero and referred to his personal story.

“‘Alex Skarlatos, inspired by his grandfather and the Greek resistance, joined the National Guard after high school. Ten years after his deployment to Afghanistan, Alex and his friends were on a train from ‘Amsterdam to Paris when a bloodthirsty radical Islamist began shooting innocent people.

“In an act of tremendous bravery, Alex and his companions stopped him despite the fact that they were completely unarmed.”

Trump closed his remarks by sharing that, despite a busy schedule, he made it a priority to attend the Greek Independence Day event. He mentioned that when he learned of the occasion, he rearranged his commitments to be there, emphasizing the importance of the celebration.

At the end of the event, Trump signed a proclamation declaring March 25 as “Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy,” a tradition held annually at the White House to honor the historic ties between Greece and the United States.

The Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On March 25, 1821, fueled by the rallying cry, “Freedom or Death,” Greek revolutionaries began a war for independence against the Ottoman Empire. The hard-fought victory established a sovereign Greek state and a national homeland for Greece. On the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day, we honor this heroic fight for freedom, and the enduring democratic ideals that continue to inspire the world.

America is inextricably tied to both ancient and modern Greece. We are tethered by history and tradition, the struggle for self-governance, emancipation, and rebirth. Our Founding Fathers drew inspiration from Greek philosophers and statesmen to form the tenets of our new Republic, now enshrined in our Constitution. Our national character has been shaped, in part, by the indelible impact of Greek influence in the arts and architecture, language and literature, and academia and military tradition. Today, across the United States, generations of Greek Americans infuse our neighborhoods and communities with a rich legacy of cultural traditions, and a heritage of family, faith, hospitality, and civic responsibility.

Greece is one of our Nation’s oldest friends, strategic partners, and a valued NATO ally. We appreciate the support of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in our economic and diplomatic partnership as we forge opportunities for collaboration in key sectors including energy, science, technology, shipping, logistics, and defense. The permanent presence of naval forces in Souda Bay and bilateral training events enhance warfighting capabilities and reflect our mutual commitment to joint military cooperation as a cornerstone of security and stability in Europe.

On this day, we pause to celebrate Hellenic independence, people of Greek heritage worldwide, and the abiding kinship of likeminded nations who cherish democracy, patriotism, prosperity, and peace.

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, 2025, 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-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Πηγή