On the occasion of Greece's national day, March 25, US President Barack Obama praised the friendly bilateral ties between the two countries and said the United States and Greece are bound by struggles and shared democratic ideals. The president and Vice President Joe Biden welcomed guests to the White House on Wednesday to celebrate Greek Independence Day. 

Obama said the United States' founders were students of Greek history and turned to ancient texts for allies. Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Dimitrios said that the U.S. and Greece share ties of freedom and democracy, adding that he was praying for the first family. The White House also welcomed Greek-American chef Michael Psilakis as a guest to the White House kitchen.