Commemorating March 25, 2026, as the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day and Celebrating Democracy in Greece and the United States

WHEREAS, On March 25, 1821, the Feast Day of the Annunciation, the Greek nation reclaimed its ancient heritage as the "Cradle of Democracy" by overthrowing the yoke of oppression which had enslaved its people since the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Conquered by the Ottoman Turks in the th century, Greece waged a successful war of Independence (1821- 1829) and re-instituted a democratic form of government; and

WHEREAS, The People of the United States generously offered humanitarian assistance to the Greek people during their struggle for independence; and

WHEREAS, The price for the people of Greece to hold onto their common values in their region was high, as hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed in Greece during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Greece is one of only three nations in the world, beyond the former British Empire, that has been allied with the United States in every major international conflict over the last 100 years; and

WHEREAS, Greece, located in a region where Christianity meets Islam and Judaism, maintains excellent relations with Muslim nations and Israel, and demonstrates religious tolerance; and

WHEREAS, The Ancient Macedonians were Hellenes and the northern Province of Greece, Macedonia and the Hellenic descendants. Greece and the United States share a strong and strategic partnership, rooted in historical ties and ongoing cooperation in various sectors, including defense, economy, and culture; and

WHEREAS, Greece and the United States are at the forefront of the effort for freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and human rights; and

WHEREAS, Many American Philhellenes participated and fought in the Greek War of Independence. One such individual was George Wilson from Providence, Rhode Island, who served as a gunman in the Greek fleet, most notably in the battle against the Turkish Navy in Nafpaktos Bay, Greece; and

WHEREAS, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and reaffirmed the strategic importance of the US-Greece Partnership and stated that "Greece is a valued NATO ally and is critical to regional stability." Secretary Rubio went on to say that "The United States applauds Greece's strong commitment to defense spending, its regional leadership, including its continued support for Ukraine, delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, and its support for freedom of navigation in the Red Sea through its participation in operation Prosperity Guardian." Secretary Rubio also welcomed Greece's presence on the UN Security Council for its 2025-2026 term; and

WHEREAS, Secretary Rubio also praised and congratulated the Greek nation for its successful economic reforms that have helped lead Greece to a strong economic recovery, with a projected growth rate of 2.1 percent in 2026, outpacing most of Europe; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby celebrates March 25, 2026, as the 205th Anniversary of Greek Independence, reaffirms Rhode Island's abiding commitment to the magnificent principles of democracy and religious freedom, and urges Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby commends the Greek-American community for its contributions to Rhode Island and its role as a bridge between two countries; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Cranston, the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Pawtucket, the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of Newport, members of the Rhode Island Congressional delegation, the Honorable Symeon Tegos, Consul General of the Hellenic Republic in Boston, and Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Archdiocese of America.