On Thursday, March 26, US President Donald Trump hosted a special White House event to celebrate Greek Independence Day. The event highlighted the historical and cultural connection between Greece and the US.
The event saw Greek American community leaders, senior Orthodox Church officials, and US officials in attendance to celebrate the relationship between the United States and Greece. Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle were also present.
Trump addressed attendees saying, “It is a great honour to be here tonight. I would not miss it for anything.” He wished Greeks a “Happy Independence Day.”
This event comes after Trump’s proclamation earlier this week which paid tribute to Greece’s national day. The proclamation was titled Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.
“When America declared its independence 250 years ago, the Greeks did the same. Since then, the United States and Greek democracy have stood side by side and guided Western culture.”
Trump lauded Greece’s lasting impact on civilisation and US political ideas. “We owe the Greeks so much,” he said. “Americans learn about Socrates, Aristotle, and the bravery of the Spartans.”
He also drew attention to the restored St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Ground Zero, noting its destruction during the September 11 attacks and subsequent reconstruction. “You know that after the attack of September 11, the Greek church was destroyed, but it was rebuilt bigger than before. The marble used is the same as that of the Parthenon,” Trump said.
Trump then recognised Greece’s global influence, stating, “Without Athens, we might never had the Philadelphia. Today, we celebrate friendship with Greece and cooperation with the Americans who want to make America great again.”
During the event, Trump also praised Ambassador Ms Guilfoyle, calling her forward and saying, “You are the best. Everybody loves you. Come stand next to us.”
Archbishop Elpidophoros thanked Trump at the event. “You do the Greek community a great honour by celebrating March 25… We thank you for your support on the Cyprus issue. In all the churches, we pray for all the armed forces,” he said.
“This honour binds Greece and the United States in a strategic alliance with mutual respect and extends to cooperation on issues of energy and strategy. Greece is the harbinger of democracy, just as America is,” the Archbishop added.
The event concluded with Archbishop Elpidophoros reciting the Prayer of Saint Basil.
