Whereas, the ancient Greeks developed the concept of democracy, in which the supreme power to govern was vested in the people, and the Founding Fathers of the United States drew heavily on the political experience and philosophy of ancient Greece in forming our representative democracy; and
Whereas, many Americans fought alongside the Greeks in their struggle for independence, while stirring speeches by President James Monroe and Daniel Webster led the Congress to send funds and supplies to aid the Greeks in their struggle for freedom, and Greek soldiers were with the United States Marines on the shores of Tripoli in the military operation memorialized in the United States Marine Corp Hymn; and
Whereas, Greece is one of only three nations in the world, beyond the former British Empire, that has been allied with the United States in every major international conflict in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and
Whereas, Greece played a major role in the World War II struggle to protect freedom and democracy, and showed great valor in its resistance to the Axis invasion, especially at the historic Battle of Crete, which presented the Axis land war with its first major setback; and
Whereas, Greece and the United States have been at the forefront of the effort to promote freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and human rights throughout the world, ideals which have forged a close bond between our two nations and their peoples; and
Whereas, March 25, 2008, marks the 187th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek revolution for independence from the Ottoman Empire; and
Whereas, Greek-Americans have played a vital role in the history and development of the City of Portland; and
Whereas, the first Greek Orthodox Church in the state of Oregon, Holy Trinity Church, was founded in Portland in 1907;
Now, Therefore, I, Tom Potter, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim March 25, 2008, to be
Greek Independence Day
in Portland, and encourage all residents to honor this day.