Biden, Greek-Americans honor Independence Day at the White House [vid]

The annual Greek Independence Day reception was held at the White House on Thursday. US President Joe Biden welcomed members of the Greek-American community to honor with them their national anniversary as every year. This particular event, in addition to its strong communicative character, offers a first-class opportunity to the Greek-American community to convey messages to the US political leadership.

Αddressing the guests, President Joe Biden paid tribute to Greek ideals and the ties that bind the United States to Greece in a celebration of Greek Independence Day at the White House on Thursday.

“America’s founding fathers studied ancient Greek thinkers and leaders. Our revolution in 1776 was inspired – literally, not freely – by their ideas,” Biden told a crowd of Greek Americans and friends of Greece from the political, business, and arts communities.

Forty-five years after that Greek patriots fought for their own independence, galvanized by America’s quest for liberty. That is why the anniversary of Greece’s independence is a special day in America as well. Our nations are connected. We have shared values, shared aspirations, and shared belief that anything is possible,” he said.

“The bonds between us are rooted in our history, but the are very much alive today.”

US President Joe Biden had a private meeting with Archbishop of America Elpidophoros, the Greek ambassador to the USA, Katerina Nasika, as well as other leading members of the Greek-American community.

Also present at the event were the lieutenant governor of California, Eleni Kounalakis, the ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the USA, Evangelos Savvas, the ambassador of the United States to Greece, George Tsunis, US congressman Doug Lamborn, state congressman Spyros Matzavinos.