PROCLAMATION 7415—MAR. 8, 2001 115 STAT. 2611 Our two countries have stood together as friends and allies from the time America embraced modern Greece's struggle for independence 180 years ago. We fought together in every major war of the last century: World War I through the Persian Gulf. For more than 50 years, we have worked together in NATO: first to keep the peace in Europe and now to build peace and stability in the Balkans. \Me look forward to continued cooperation as we celebrate the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad together in Athens in 2004. Our alliance with Greece remains strong, and its future is promising. Greeks and Americans share a love of freedom, liberty, and individual rights. The friendship between our two Nations is based on mutual respect, a commitment to common goals, and the sharing of fundamental values. Ties of blood and kinship also unite us: the modern community of approximately 3 million Greek Americans has established a natural and enduring bridge between our nations. Today, we take special note of those citizens and thank them for their innumerable contributions to our Nation's cultural, economic, and political heritage. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2001, as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy." I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7415 of March 8, 2001 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, 2001 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Last year, approximately 130,000 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the United States. This is a startling number. Late diagnosis is one reason why colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon and rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for Americans. The disease strikes men and women with almost equal frequency and often progresses without symptoms. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is usually curable when discovered early, and early diagnosis is possible through regular screenings. Regular screenings are particularly important for persons age 50 or older. Regular screenings are also important for individuals considered at higher risk for the disease. Widespread screening for colorectal cancer could save up to 30,000 lives a year, if all cases were found at an early stage. To raise awareness about the disease and to encourage regular screening, the Cancer Research Foundation of America, the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, and the American Digestive Health Foundation have
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