Recognizes Greek Independence Day
Presidential Hall
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
March 25, 2002
1:27 P.M. EST
Your Eminence, I can't spend enough time with you. (Laughter.) I love your gentle soul, and I love your guidance and your advice. And any time you want to come back, just give me a call. (Laughter.) I'm so glad you're here. And I want to thank you all for joining us to celebrate this important day for Greece.

I want to honor the heritage of liberty that both the Greeks and the Americans share. There's no better place to do this than in the White House, the symbol of liberty and the symbol of freedom.

I want to thank the Greek Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs for being here, as well. I appreciate you coming. I want to thank the Ambassador -- the Greek Ambassador to the United States, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, as well. You all are welcome here. Thank you for coming. It's great to see you again.

I'm glad to see Ambassador George Argyros is here, as well. I never thought he'd get through the confirmation process. (Laughter.) But he is my Ambassador to Spain, and is doing a very fine job. I appreciate so much the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, George Tenet, for being here, as well. (Applause.)

One hundred and eighty one years ago, our nation supported the cause of Greek independence. And we have admired the progress Greece has made since. Yet well before we recognized the independence of modern Greece, the Greek heritage had a great impact on American independence. Many of America's founders knew Greek history better than our own. They drew on Greece's political heritage in framing our Constitution. America's love for liberty has deep roots in the spirit of Greece.

The spirit of liberty has always had enemies. It's important for us to remember our history, that there are some who can't stand liberty and freedom, as we learned so tragically on September the 11th. The terrorists who attack us hate the very idea of human freedom. They cannot stand the thought of freedom of religion. It must make them very nervous to know that a Methodist is standing next to His Eminence -- (laughter) -- in a free society, in a society that welcomes people to worship freely, and as they so choose. They hate freedom of speech. They can't stand the thought of people speaking their minds. They hate our system.

They also thought we were weak and soft. And they're wrong, and they're learning it every day. They learned it in Afghanistan, where we went into that country not to seek revenge, but to seek justice. And this weekend, little girls went to school for the first time -- some little girls went to school for the first time in Afghanistan, showing the world that we didn't go into Afghanistan as conquerors, but as liberators.

And they're going to find out how tough we are. Because I want to assure you all that we're going to hunt 'em down, one by one, until our homeland is secure, until freedom is secure, to make sure our children and our grandchildren can live in a free and peaceful world. (Applause.)

One ancient Greek statesman put it this way. He said, "We are free to live exactly as we please, yet we are ready to face any danger." He might as well have been talking about the United States of America. Fortunately, we don't face danger alone. There are other people who love freedom, as well, in this world. Greece and America have been firm allies in the great struggles for liberty. Greece was one of only a handful of countries that fought alongside the United States in every major 20th century war. And Americans will always remember Greek heroism and Greek sacrifice for the sake of freedom.

As the 21st century dawns, Greece and America are -- once again stand united; this time in the fight against terrorism. Greece is a part of the coalition of nations helping bring justice to those who would harm us, harm the people of Greece, harm anybody who love freedom. The United States deeply appreciates the role Greece is playing in the war against terror. We thank Greece for access to the military base in Souda Bay, Crete, and for providing a naval frigate for patrolling the Arabian Sea.

And just as Greece has stood side by side with the United States, the United States stands ready to encourage the continued warming of Greek and Turkish relations. We welcome the resumption of diplomatic talks on Cyprus, and hope that they will lead to a final settlement that strengthens regional peace and stability.

America and Greece are strong allies, and we're strategic partners. Our nation has been inspired by Greek ideals, and enriched by Greek immigrants. Today about 1 million Americans claim Greek origin. They've made a mark in every field. America is better for the 1 million Americans who live here.

In my administration, John Negroponte heads our United Nations, and he's doing a fine job. And as a part of my war council, the National Security Council, sits George Tenet, whose advice and steady hand have been invaluable to our success.

Today we honor Greek independence and the Greek spirit, a spirit of liberty and a spirit of courage, a spirit that values family and education and public service and faith; a spirit that has helped make America what it is today.

It is my honor to welcome you all here. May God bless Greece, and may God continue to bless America. (Applause.)

END 1:35 P.M. EST