United States President Donald Trump held a special event at the White House in honour of Greek Independence Day, standing alongside Archbishop Elpidophoros of America as he celebrated the significant date in modern Greek history.
Many representatives from Greek American organisations and church officials attended the event held in the East Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on Monday afternoon (local time).
Archbishop Elpidophoros thanked the President for hosting the event celebrating Greek Independence Day.
“Today, Mr President, you bestow extraordinary honour upon the Greek American people with the annual Greek Independence Day celebration here at the White House,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said.
“As ever, we are all humbled by the prestige of this celebration and, on behalf of all, I thank you for continuing this wonderful tradition that recognises the Greek roots of democracy.”
He presented Trump with a gold cross as a symbol of the comparison he made between the President and Constantine the Great.
Trump expressed appreciation for the cross and praised the impact of Hellenic culture on the world and America, particularly noting the strong Greek American diaspora.
“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 said.
Trump acknowledged the historical roots between the United States and Greece in regard to the Greek War for Independence, stating that the then US President James Monroe said at the time that the whole civilised world had a deep interest in a victory for the Greek people.
He also introduced Katherine Guilfoyle, the next U.S. Ambassador to Greece, who expressed pride in taking on the role and highlighting Trump’s deep appreciation for the Greek people.
Trump once more reiterated the significant of the diaspora in America, saying:
“Greek Americans have blessed our country with exceptional courage, patriotism, and tremendous skill. Under this administration, we will continue to honour the virtues, ideals and spirit of this magnificent heritage.”
He said the Greeks “are a special people” and admitted that he sacrificed other commitments to make time for the celebration at the White House.
The president then 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 honour the historic ties between Greece and the United States.
