AHI Statement on 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence
No. 21
WASHINGTON, D.C. — American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis has issued the following statement in celebration of the 205 th Anniversary of the Greek War of Independence:
Today we commemorate the 205th anniversary of Greece’s Independence and remember the heroes who fought and sacrificed to defeat Ottoman rule in a triumph for liberty.
Ancient Greece gave birth to the ideals and principles that are the foundation of western democracies. As such, all Americans share in the Hellenic spirit which is embedded in the DNA of our constitution and at the core of our cherished liberties.
Moreover, as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Americans of Greek heritage can take special pride in knowing that these Hellenic ideals and principles of democracy provided the basis for this important document and the sturdy foundation for the unprecedented prosperity of the United States.
Indeed, the Enlightenment ideals that inspired the American Revolution also helped inspire the Greek War of Independence. Americans demonstrated their commitment to those ideals through passionate advocacy and humanitarian support for the Greek cause.
Today, we must also look to the future and ensure the friendship and strategic partnership between the United States and Greece, two longstanding allies, remains strong and continues to flourish. The ongoing U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue provides a pathway to this future.
The celebration of Greek independence is an important reminder for free citizens around the world: the Hellenic ideals that yielded democracy and the rule of law must be defended. As we see every day, there are multiple forces that continue to challenge our Freedoms. If these ideals are not defended, we can expect to see the slow erosion of the very principles that provide the underpinning of our society. Only anarchy would exist without the rule of law.
Despite the heroic sacrifices and battles our ancestors have fought, the struggle continues. Even as the world confronts new conflicts—including the ongoing war with Iran—we must not lose sight of the danger Turkey presents in the Eastern Mediterranean and to United States interests in the region. Turkey is a constant threat to Greece, Cyprus, and the region as a persistent violator of the rule of law. The rules-based international order cannot be applied selectively, especially regarding Turkey, and the United States and its allies must hold Turkey accountable. We take today to reaffirm our strong belief in the rule of law as the principled driving force of United States leadership abroad. A durable and credible rules-based order requires consistent enforcement, particularly in strategically vital regions such as the Eastern Mediterranean. The rule of law provides a delicate balance that helps to sustain and advance peaceful coexistence. Otherwise, small countries like Greece and Cyprus do not stand a chance in an ever-dangerously changing world that seems to favor only might. Selective application of these principles weakens alliances, emboldens destabilizing behavior, and jeopardizes long-term U.S. interests. The community must engage our policymakers, educate them on these facts, and urge them to act. We look forward to celebrating future Greek Independence Days in a world free from threats to democracy and the rule of law and amid an Eastern Mediterranean region that is stable and at peace.
The American Hellenic Institute is a respected and independent non-profit, public policy and advocacy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.
