U.S. and Greece Reaffirm Shared Values at AHI Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day
From left to right: Dina Titus, U.S. Representative (D-NV); Antonis Alexandridis, Ambassador of Greece to the United States; Gus Bilirakis, U.S. Representative (R-FL); and Nick Larigakis, President of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) (All photos by Neshan Naltchayan)
No. 32
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States and Greece reaffirmed their mutual values and shared commitment to cooperation during the American Hellenic Institute’s annual Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 15. The celebration, held for the 28th time on Capitol Hill, comes as the United States marks 250 years of independence and Greece commemorates 205 years.
Held in conjunction with the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH), the event brought together bipartisan Members of Congress, diplomats, and members of the Greek American community to celebrate the strategic ties between the United States and Greece.
Congressional representatives, along with the Greek and Cypriot ambassadors to the United States, spoke about the lasting influence of Hellenic ideals on American democracy, while also addressing ongoing challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean, including concerns over Turkey’s actions, the need to uphold sovereignty and international law, and the importance of continued vigilance in protecting democratic values and regional stability.
AHI President Nick Larigakis
AHI President Nick Larigakis highlighted Greece’s role as a reliable ally and a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“In his Presidential Proclamation for Greek Independence Day, issued on March 24 this year, President Donald J. Trump declared, and I quote, ‘Together, our two nations are allies in freedom, united by history, tested by struggle, and confident in the promise of a radiant future.’ Nonetheless, we need to continue to be vigilant in our pursuit to resolve many of our outstanding issues, which ultimately, if continue to go unresolved, threaten to undermine stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, serve as contradictions to our American values and the rule of law, and thus threaten U.S. interests in the region. We must continue to be vigilant in defense of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and eternal values,” said Larigakis among other remarks.
The program concluded with cultural performances, including the singing of the Greek national anthem by Gina Polychronopoulos, the American national anthem performed by Stephanie Tavlarides Stratos, and a traditional Greek dance performance by the Byzantio Center for Greek Dance and Cultural Arts.
Excerpts from the speakers’ remarks and statements are provided below:
Ambassador of Greece to the United States Antonis Alexandridis ”Greece and the United States are bound by more than friendship; we are connected by shared ideals, shared sacrifices, and a common belief in liberty, self-government, and human dignity. Together, the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence and America’s 250th invite us to celebrate two revolutions that helped define the modern democratic world… The American founders looked to ancient Greece for lessons in civic virtue and democratic principle, while Greek revolutionaries drew inspiration from the American example of a people rising to claim their destiny. In that sense, the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence and America’s 250th anniversary are not separate milestones, but chapters in one shared story of liberty.”
Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States
Evangelos Savva
“It's a hugely important day, and we see the values which made the Hellenes of the 19th century rise up against an empire to gain their liberty, to gain their freedom. We see those values [are] still very relevant in our age today, as we navigate in a very difficult geopolitical environment in our region, where we continue to struggle for freedom and liberty, for the rule of law, and for human rights, and for good neighborly relations between everybody… And Cyprus and Greece together are always on the right side of history, strong pillars of stability amidst the Mediterranean, working hand in hand with the United States to advance the causes of stability, of prosperity, of security for all like-minded allies and partners.”
Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH)
Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues
“The values of Hellenism that I learned early on are something that stick with me through my service in Congress. It is about how you can make a difference for others and serve the community. It is about faith, family, hard work, and how we can meet a moment like this, which is historic. We have never leaned on Greece and Cyprus more than we are right now. Those relationships have never been more essential to the United States, our national security, our foreign policy, and a range of other interests—whether it's energy cooperation, military cooperation, people-to-people, business-to-business contacts.”
Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues
“As far as Greek Independence Day, we can never forget what our forefathers did for us. 400 years of slavery, at least 400 years, they preserved everything: the customs and traditions… So, we can never forget our history. It's a great history, and of course we're very fortunate to live in the United States of America. Best of two worlds.”
Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY)
“I'm grateful for the partnership between Greece and Cyprus, Israel, and the United States, and the partnership with our European allies as well. And we continue to work with Greece closely on issues of national security, combating the malign influence of bad actors, preventing the sale of F-35s to Turkey. That is something we will continue to oppose and work to prevent, and hold Turkey and others to account. So, [I] appreciate the opportunity to stop by and certainly celebrate the tremendous relationship between our two nations. And thank you all for being here.”
Representative Dina Titus (D-NV)
“We're celebrating a lot of years of independence, but we still have some challenges and some enemies out there that we need to be aware of. Greece is in a key position geopolitically to be such a player, and they have been wonderful. They have been very valuable allies in the area —
helping Ukraine, standing with the U.S., working with Israel and Cyprus on energy projects, and so we want to maintain that kind of progress. [In the] meantime, Turkey has been a terrible ally and totally unreliable. And as I serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee, I use that as a platform to remind people just how that works.”
Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
“I have to say, I am concerned right now. It's tough times, right? In other words, we're far from perfect right now, and certainly our alliances are very much in jeopardy — I don't mean with Greece, but I mean with NATO itself. So, let me tell you…. I'm still very determined that we have NATO. I know that Greece is part of it, Cyprus is not. But the bottom line is I'm very supportive of NATO and of our alliance that relates to NATO. And with regard to Cyprus, still determined that we have a unified Cyprus and that we find a way to kick out the Turks, and, you know, and not have separate countries as, you know, Turkey would like to see. That's totally unacceptable.”
Representative Gabe Amo (D-RI)
“Your story as Greek Americans is so tied to the American march towards freedom and equality. And so that's why as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the vice-ranking member, and a member of the great Hellenic Caucus, I'm committed to deepening the partnership. You've heard a lot from my colleagues on the ways that we are making that real, from the opposition to Turkey's efforts to rejoin the F-35 program, to fostering great partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean. All of that work cumulatively shows that our future is tied to one another. And I hope that I can do as much as I can in my capacity to strengthen those relationships, and do everything I can to be present.”
Representative Jim Costa (D-CA)
“As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, some of us participated in the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue. And it's critical that we, at this time when questions are being raised about the validity of democracy, and the questions we see in Europe and here in our country, that we remember the resiliency of our democratic nations and the institutions that have protected that democracy. And therefore, the ties between our two nations are critical.”
Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
“We got to make sure, speaking of Turkey, we've got to stop the sale of advanced fighter jets to Turkey. I think that's very important in stabilizing the region. Erdogan, who I don't think much of these days, or ever, has made it very clear where he stands, and it's not with us. And it's not for democracy, or peace, or freedom. Greece and Cyprus are critical partners, helping anchor stability in the region, and serve as a key bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. So, I just want to say thank you.”
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Statement by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), delivered by Maiesha Hossain
“Good evening! I am sorry I cannot join you in person, but I want to recognize this important celebration and the history behind it. Every year, Greek Independence Day calls us to honor the brave patriots who fought for Greece’s freedom and self-determination and recommit ourselves to those values – now more than ever, as we face this dark hour of war in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Since the dawn of democracy in Ancient Greece, members of the Hellenic community have been powerful stewards of the democratic tradition. And as two of the most important countries in the history of democracy, the United States and Greece share a special relationship – and our partnership now is the strongest it has ever been. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I’m committed to continuing to strengthen the security, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties that bring so much value to Greece, the United States, and all our friends around the world. Thank you to Nick Larigakis and the American Hellenic Institute, and the Congressional Hellenic Caucus for hosting today’s celebration and wishing you all a belated Happy Independence Day!
Statement by Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY)
“Dear Friends,
I am proud to join you in spirit for the American Hellenic Institute’s annual Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day, marking the 205th anniversary of Greece’s independence. I thank the American Hellenic Institute for bringing together policymakers, advocates, and members of our close-knit Greek American community to celebrate our shared Hellenic heritage.
Today, that partnership is more important than ever. Greece continues to serve as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and together, our nations stand united in promoting security, economic cooperation, and democratic values in an increasingly complex world.
As the daughter of a Greek immigrant, I remain committed to strengthening the U.S.-Greece relationship and to ensuring that our community’s voice continues to be heard in Congress. I am deeply grateful for the American Hellenic Institute’s tireless work to preserve and promote Greek heritage, and I look forward to celebrating the continued achievements of Greek Americans for generations to come.”
The American Hellenic Institute extends its sincere appreciation to all sponsors whose generous support made this event possible.
