George W. features in so many blogs lately that I have decided to join the bandwagon. But always a contrarian I am going to mention him as the President of the United States. Last week he issued the following proclamation which I think is very well done and stated. All the big-shots of Congress and the administration that happen to be Greek-American are being feted in Washington D.C. over the weekend.

"The United States and Greece share a long friendship built on common
values and an abiding love for freedom. On Greek Independence Day, we
underscore the warm ties between our countries, recognize the Greek
Americans who enrich our society, and commemorate the anniversary of
modern Greece.

"The ancient Greeks entrusted their citizens with the right to govern,
and they believed in the power of freedom to protect human dignity and
basic human rights. Many of America's Founding Fathers studied Greek
history and took inspiration from these democratic ideals as they
framed our Constitution. The founders of modern Greece had the strong
support of our own young democracy when they declared their
independence in 1821, and our nations have stood as allies in the major
conflicts of the 20th century. Today, we continue to defend freedom
together in the global war on terror, as Greek and American Armed
Forces work to lay the foundation of peace for generations to come.

"On Greek Independence Day, and throughout the year, we celebrate the
universality of freedom and the enduring bonds between Greece and the
United States.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2007, as
Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and
American Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.

"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day
of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-first."


March 25, 1821 is when a Bishop in the Orthodox Church flew the flag for freedom. It is a National Holiday here in Greece as well as a religious feast to celebrate Annunciation Day when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to inform her that she was pregnant.

The celebrations here are rather low key, though we did notice the men were dressed up more than a normal Sunday. All the school children march in a parade in the main town of Parikia, but we missed it this year. We went on a pleasant ride to the far end of Antiparos. After an hour or so on the beach we wanted to go to one of the local tavernas for an ouzo. We were thwarted however by three large rooms full of dining Greeks. Not one free table.