EMBASSY OF GREECE

WASHINGTON

The Ambassador

Washington, March 5, 2010

Dear Friends,

As March 25^th approaches, we are preparing to celebrate Greek Independence Day and to pay tribute to the vision and sacrifices of those who struggled, against all odds, to establish the modern Greek State.

This year is marked by the strenuous efforts of the Greek Government and the Greek people to cope with an unprecedented financial crisis, which, as Prime Minister George Papandreou has noted, constitutes a threat to Greece’s very sovereignty.

While Greece is neither the first, nor the last country to undergo severe financial tests, it would be inconsistent with the Greek people’s sacrifices not to take into due account the seriousness of the existing situation.

Consequently, in these difficult times, the Greek Government has decided that the most appropriate way to honor our Independence Day is to contribute, in a symbolic, but also tangible manner, to the intense efforts to redress the situation and to forego the traditional March 25^th receptions hosted by the Greek diplomatic missions around the world.

Over the centuries, the Greek nation has repeatedly proven its resilience. It is now our generation’s turn to rise to the challenges we are confronted with. I am confident that, through our relentless and determined efforts, Greece will overcome the present difficulties, in the same way she has successfully faced adversity in the past. I know that we can count on the understanding and support of each and every Greek American and of the Greek American community as a whole.

In this spirit, we will celebrate Greek Independence Day with the appropriate solemnity, proud of what our nation has achieved over the centuries and fully conscious of our current historic responsibilities.

Vassilis Kaskarelis