US President Donald Trump held up a red hat which said, in Greek, “Make Greece Great Again”, before he kicked off his speech for Greek Independence Day at a function at the White House.
He welcomed members of the Greek Orthodox community to a “very, very special place called the White House. You’ve been hearing about it for a long time. You’ll be hearing about it for a long time. But it is a very, very special kind of a home. It becomes home, and there’s nothing like it.”
After the greetings, he focused on the meaning of the Greek War of Independence. “On March 25th, 1821, Greek patriots rose up and fought to liberate their country, restore their sovereignty, and reclaim their destiny,” Mr Trump said. “This evening, we also celebrate the countless ways Greek Americans strengthen and uplift and inspire our nation. You live by the values that are the foundation of America’s greatness. You really do. You honour hard work. You love your families. You enrich your culture. And you embrace the American Dream and you keep faith in the blessings of Almighty God. And that’s great.”
He spoke of the extraordinary achievements of Greek people. “Greek poets and philosophers like Homer and Aristotle have helped humanity pursue truth, and virtue, and justice. Ancient Greece achieved extraordinary feats of architecture, geometry, map-making, and so much else that has inspired all wonders of the world. And Greece is the birthplace of democracy. Have you heard that?” he asked.
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“As a famous Greek historian wrote, ‘Happiness depends on being free, and freedom depends on being courageous.’ And you are courageous.”
He pointed to Greek Americans like Senior Airman Gregory Manuel of the 42nd Intelligence Squadron and Major Carl Hollister who served in the Army for more than 20 years. “To Gregory and Carl, and everyone who has defended America and its uniform: We applaud your patriotism and we salute your noble service to our nation. We very much appreciate it. Thank you very much. Great job,” he said.
“Here with us today is George Marafatsos. George was born in the mountains of Sparta, Greece. (Applause.) When he was 10, his family immigrated to the United States. He earned money — a lot of money — helping out his grandfather’s barbershop,” he said, also pointing to the Greek Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Aphrodite Skeadas from the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society who has helped lead efforts with more than 20,000 women across the country to feed the homeless, provide scholarships to students, and to help families in times of need. He also thanked Father Kosmas Karavellas who offered a lifetime of service to the Greek Orthodox Community of Maryland.
“Each of these remarkable individuals represent the stories of so many Greek Americans in the room. Many of them are in this room with us right now,” he said.
“You have devoted your lives to your families, your communities, and to our country. Through your grit and your drive, and your will to succeed — you are very, very competitive people, I can tell you that. They don’t ever quit. You don’t ever give up. That’s what we want.
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“You’ve brought jobs and promise to cities and towns across America. And you’ve deepened the bonds of affection and renewed the pride of patriotism that unites us as one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God.
“I want to thank you. God bless you. And again, I want to wish all of you a joyous Greek Independence Day. Thank you.
Thank you for being at the White House. Thank you all for being at the White House.”
He then went on to sign the Greek Independence Day proclamation for the third time.
“I was supposed to be at another event today. I said, ‘You mean…’ — the people came over — I said to them, ‘You mean I won’t be able to be there for my Greek friends?’ They said, ‘No, sir. Not this time. But next year.’ I said, ‘No, no, no. I’m doing it this time.” So…”