To mark March 25 and the anniversary of the Greek Revolution, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on the historic contribution of Greece as the “cradle of Western civilization” and the place where the concept of self-government was born, long before the founding of the United States. As he points out, this spirit kept the Greek people standing during centuries of foreign domination and led to the 1821 Revolution, which “broke the shackles of authoritarian rule.”
At the same time, Donald Trump underscored the historical affinity between the two countries, with Trump noting that both Greece and the US were built on the principles of freedom, democracy and self-determination. “The history of the two nations proves that a people under oppression will endure any trial to ensure fair governance,” he said.
He also referred to the role of the Greek-American community, which makes a decisive contribution to the economic and social life of the United States, keeping alive the values that link the two sides of the Atlantic.
Trump also noted that Greece “stands by the US”, highlighting their shared commitment to Western values, security and peace. At the same time, he stressed that the two countries are “allies of freedom” united by history and common challenges.
Finally, Trump called on US citizens to commemorate March 25 with events and activities, noting that Greece’s example continues to inspire “freedom defenders around the world.”
It is worth noting that the text of the declaration makes no reference to Turkey or the Ottoman Empire.
Trump’s entire March 25th proclamation
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“On Greek Independence Day, we honor the wisdom and determination of the Greek people, who shook off the shackles of despotism, renewed the promise of freedom first born in their ancient land, and restored their rightful place as the cradle of Western civilization.
Long before our nation raised the torch of liberty 250 years ago, the miracle of self-government rose for the first time in Greece, where citizens gained a direct voice in shaping the future of their country. This spirit sustained the Greek people through centuries of occupation and hardship under foreign rulers. With unparalleled courage, pride in their past and faith in their future, they launched the Revolution on March 25, 1821, inaugurating a noble struggle that broke the shackles of the authoritarian power that had kept them subservient for centuries. For nearly a decade, their freedom was forged in the flames of conflict and sacrifice, based on the timeless truth that every nation has the right to self-determination.
Like Greece, the United States was born out of the tradition of democratic self-government and is sustained by citizens who believe that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are their sacred birthright. The histories of the two nations demonstrate that “a people under oppression will endure every trial to establish a truly just government, to defend their heritage at all costs, and to secure the benefits of liberty for themselves and their children.”
Today, the Greek-American community is enriching our nation’s history through its entrepreneurial spirit, its faith in God and its unrelenting passion for the principles that have defined the American way of life since 1776. Greece stands with the United States, sharing the same values, commitment to upholding Western ideals and dedication to the cause of world peace.
Greece stands with the United States.
As America completes 250 glorious years of independence, we draw inspiration from the example of the Greek people, who refused to abdicate their sovereignty and kept alive the flame of self-government. Together, the two nations are allies in freedom, united by history, tested through struggle and optimistic about the promise of a bright future. On this 205th anniversary of Greek Independence, we celebrate that timeless spirit, born in Athens and inspired by our Nation’s Fathers in Philadelphia, whose genius and dedication to the cause of human freedom will continue to inspire people on both sides of the Atlantic.
HEREAS, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, I 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 commemorate this day with appropriate ceremonies and events.”
