Greek Independence Day Celebrated at The White House

March 25, 2025

I’m exceptionally proud to be an American. As the grandson of Greek immigrants, I’m also proud of my family’s Greek heritage. And so, it was with immense pride and appreciation that I was honored to accept an invitation to The White House yesterday to help celebrate Greek Independence Day. Today is the 204th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day, and the White House has hosted an annual celebration of the event every year since 1987. Denise and I would like to thank President Trump for his very generous invitation, and the entire White House staff for their warm hospitality. In particular, I would like to thank Alexandra Veletsis, a young woman who organizes events for the White House, for her impeccable planning and her warm welcome during our visit. I was pleased to honor her work with a special citation from the State House, which she graciously accepted. In addition to meeting with other elected officials of Greek heritage from across the country, I was also deeply moved by a meeting I had with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who honored our family with prayers for my beloved Gold Star son, Nicholas. All in all, it was a quick day trip to our nation’s capital, but well worth it for all the special memories we shared. Being in Washington, DC always helps to remind you of how lucky we are to be Americans and to share the freedom we enjoy as citizens of this great nation.