Today (July 4, 2013) is Independence Day in the United States, and the key element to America's independence -- democracy -- has its roots in ancient Greece, the Greek Reporter website reports.
America is very thankful to Greece for its influence on our nation's democracy. President Obama has described that influence in the proclamation he issued this year commemorating Greek Independence Day (March 25):
"Two hundred and thirty-six years ago, a new American Nation was founded on an old Greek principle -- democratic rule by a free people. We trace this enduring idea to ancient Hellas, where Greeks brought forth the world's first democracy and kindled a philosophical tradition that would stand the test of time."
The proclamation continues: "As America's Founders built a Government of the people, by the people, and for the people, they drew inspiration from the democratic pioneers who shaped a small group of ancient Greek city states. In the years since, Greece and America have strengthened that connection through shared history and deep partnerships between our people."