US ambassador visits birthplace of democracy, as Americans head to polls

US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey R. Pyatt (right) on Monday visited the Athens Agora, known as the birthplace of democracy, on a private tour conducted by Dr Kevin Daly (left) of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA). “We all know ancient Greece gave life to the democratic ideals and values which continue to influence the way we live today.  But it is incredible to visit the actual site of the first expressions of democracy,” the ambassador said. “Because of the idea of democracy bestowed by the ancient Greeks, citizens around the world, including in America, can now exercise their right and privilege to vote,” he added in comments made before American head to the polls on Tuesday. “As we exercise our right and privilege as American citizens to vote, we remember that participating in an election is a tremendous opportunity that should not be taken for granted. Although it might seem like a simple process – dropping a bronze ballot or a piece of paper in a box – it is critically important. It is inspiring to be standing at one of the original ballot boxes where the world’s earliest votes were cast,” Pyatt said. [Yiorgis Yerolymbos/ANA-MPA/US Embassy in Athens]