The US President began his message by saying that on this wonderful day of celebration, he is honoured to send the Greek people the best wishes and the enduring friendship of the American people and wished them a «Happy 200th Greek Independence Day».
He expressed his regret that he could not attend and said he was looking forward to coming to Greece.
«I remember the joy that Americans felt when we celebrated our 200th anniversary. It was an important moment for the United States. An opportunity to reflect on all that our democracy has accomplished and to recommit ourselves to the core values that got us here,» President Biden said, adding «even though we cannot celebrate together this year as we continue to fight to control the pandemic, I know that Greek citizens and Greek Americans still feel an overwhelming sense of pride today. I know this because American democracy was largely inspired by the ancient example of Athenian democracy. And our American Revolution, in turn, helped encourage courageous Greeks to rise up and achieve their own independence.».
He noted that for two hundred years, the destinies of our nations have been intertwined. «Young people from the newly formed United States joined the Greeks in their struggle to defend democracy and individual liberty. And when the Axis Powers advanced on Europe during World War II, the Greeks bravely said ‘No.’ They bravely said «No» and joined us in the struggle for universal rights,« he said.
He referred to the close ties between the two countries, saying that «our common history, our close ties, our family and culture, our economic and defence cooperation unite us» and stressing that «what really unites us are our values».
«We are two peoples with a common belief that every human being has the right to be treated with dignity. And it is our shared commitment to freedom, human rights and the rule of law that enables us to write our future, whether two hundred years ago or today,» he noted.
The US President also said that he knows the courage, strength and character of the Greek American communities and noted that he has worked for many years with many Greek leaders throughout his career.
Biden concluded by saying that «The relationship between Greece and the United States will be closer than ever before during my administration. I am incredibly proud to be the American President who will help launch the next two hundred years of our close cooperation and friendship,» Joe Biden said and wished Greeks a safe and happy Independence Day!
