MAYOR GIULIANI SALUTES THE GREEK COMMUNITY ON THE 177TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE
Declares Week of March 25, Greek Independence Week
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today declared the week of March 25, Greek Independence Week in New York in commemoration of the 177th anniversary of the Greek declaration of emancipation from the Ottoman Empire in 1821.
" Is important for all Americans to remember that our democracy, as innovative as it is, is based on a long history of political thinking, a history that traces its roots to Ancient Greece. Today we are proud to honor the Hellenic Republican History," the Mayor said. "The Greek emancipation from the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821 was a seminal moment in the development of modern democracy -- an assertion of the right to practice religion, of basic property rights, and of fundamental cultural pride."
"Greek Americans have come a long way since their early years of settlement in New York. Greek immigrants and their families have shaped this City with beautiful culture, music, art, and most of all with values of faith, family, civic responsibility, and hard work. Those are the values that have been a fundamental part of Greek culture for thousands and thousands of years. They are a wonderful example of how, in every generation, the immigrant experience has enriched and renewed New York City, " the Mayor added.
Joining the Mayor were H.E. Archibischop Spyridon from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America; George Georgopoulos, President of the Federation of the Hellenic Societies of Greater New York; Hon. Charalambos Manessis, Consul General of Greece; Hon. Pantelakis Eliades, Consul General of Cyprus; and distinguished members of the Greek Community.
The Mayor also highlighted was one of the City's most popular events, the annual Greek-American Parade, produced by the Federation of the Hellenic Societies, which will be held on Sunday, March 29, 1998. Mr. Theodoros Pagalos, Foreign Minister of Greece and Governor George Pataki will be the Grand Marshals.
The proclamation was followed by a reception sponsored by the Molyvos Restaurant in Manhattan, KLM Construction and the Federation of the Hellenic Societies.
The Federation of the Hellenic Societies of Greater New York was founded in 1937 to unite those of Hellenic descent in America, to uphold the ideals of their native and adoptive countries, and to support and educate the new generations, as well as the patriotic, philanthropic and humane pursuits of the American and Greek peoples. Their annual Greek-American Parade, is one of the City's most popular events.
After almost 400 years of Turkish occupation and a bitter war, the people of Greece declared their independence on March 25, 1821, regaining the sovereignty of the birthplace of Western civilization and democratic ideals. 177 years later, the spirit and legacy of the Greek War of Independence is alive in New York, home of the largest Greek Community in the nation.
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