US Ambassador marks the Greek ‘gift’ of democracy on Independence Day

The US Ambassador to Greece Mr. Geoffrey Pyatt organized a reception on the occasion of Independence Day at the Embassy in Athens on Wednesday evening, greekcitytimes.com reports.

Pyatt toasted “the 243rd anniversary of the United States of America, the foundational values we share, and the gift of Athenian democracy” during the Independence Day celebrations.

The reception included national anthems of both countries sung by soprano Anastasia Zanni.

In his speech the US Ambassador referred to Greece’s upcoming bicentennial celebration in 2021, and recalled the US bicentennial in 1976, marking “the values that our American founders had inherited from the ancient Athenians: democracy, rule of law, and the importance of an informed citizenry.”

Referring to the long and historic relations between the US and Greece, the ambassador noted that for 200 years Athenian ideals influenced American leaders while “the American Revolution inspired the Greek struggle for independence,” prompting philhellenes to join Greeks in arms.

“Almost 200 years later, I’m happy to report that the longstanding bonds of cooperation and friendship between our modern nations are stronger than ever,” he noted, and reiterated that “there’s broad consensus in Washington that Greece has become one of our most valued regional allies, a pillar of stability and a guardian of Western democratic ideals in a particularly challenging region.”

The US and Greece are “forever linked by shared democratic ideals,” he continued.

Referring to Sunday’s general elections, he pointed out that “Greece will elect its first government of the post-crisis era, demonstrating the resilience of your democratic values and institutions, even amid an economic downturn of unprecedented length and depth.”

The electoral result will not alter the relationship of the two countries, Pyatt noted. “I can assure you that whomever the people of Greece choose as your next leaders, the United States will remain fully committed to their success,” he stressed, raising a toast to both countries.

Among attendees at the event on the embassy grounds were Foreign Minister Giorgos Katrougalos, National Defence Minister Apostolakis, New Democracy Vice President Adonis Georgiadis, as well as Shadow Ministers Olga Kefaloyiannis and Giorgos Koumoutsakos.

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Photo Source: flickr.com License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Rennett Stowe