Sec'y of State Jim Condos Attended White House Ceremony President Obama and VP Biden Honoring Greek Independence Day

Montpelier - Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos was invited by President Obama to the White House on April 18, 2013 for an official ceremony marking Greece's independence in 1821.

As a Greek-American, Secretary Condos attended the ceremony with other elected federal, state, and local officials. Speakers were President Obama, Vice President Biden, and Greek Archbishop Demetrios.

President Obama started his remarks with thoughts of the tragedy in Boston, then welcomed guests, thanking the Greek Ambassador and Greek Archbishop for attending, and praising the Greek spirit and culture in celebration of democracy throughout the world.

"I was honored to have been invited by the President to participate. As a 2nd generation Greek-American, I have always been proud of my Greek heritage. My grandparents loved their culture and traditions, but at the same time, were very proud to become American citizens and contribute to their community through their hard work and civic participation."