Transcript: Mayor Adams Hosts Reception to Celebrate Greek Heritage

March 20, 2025

Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM7gQj5XyFM

Mayor Eric Adams: It is amazing when we come here year after year and celebrate the real presence and vibrancy that the Greek community has brought to this great city and your eminence. I thank you for being here.

We've walked side by side many times, not only at the parade but on other crucial issues and I thank all of you. This community has been extremely supportive throughout the years. From my days as Brooklyn borough president, state senator, and now here as the mayor of the City of New York, the Athens of America, New York City.

Largest Greek population in this country is right here in our city and your presence here, you grace us in Gracie Mansion each year celebrating those from your communities who have contributed so much to this city. I want to welcome all of our foreign dignitaries who are joining us tonight as we do this important celebration.

Your presence and the Greek presence in this city is so significant across our whole city, from Bay Ridge to Brooklyn to Astoria and Manhattan. We've got someone from Brooklyn. From the architect to the taverns to the literature in our schools or even our coffee cups is representative of your history here.

Greek Americans and Greek New Yorkers have been shaping our city since 1844 and nothing personifies that more to me than the presence of our Greek law enforcement officers. Some of them are here tonight. They bring about the public safety in our city and at the end of the month, the colorful display of culture and spirit and energy, we will walk together down Fifth Avenue to celebrate Greek Independence Day.

Over two centuries ago, the spirit of the Greek people inspired the Western world when you rose up against the Ottoman Empire and continue to show you are resilient and you will never, never succumb to any form of tyranny. You gave us democracy and freedom. You gave us the spirit and energies we've read from your scholars and we learn from your beats in medicine and we will continue to be inspired from today for the great things that the Greek people have done to the city and this country.

We are the greatest city on the globe because we have the greatest people on the globe. And this has been the spirit and energy of this administration to bring about productivity, affordability and make sure this is a place where we can raise healthy children and families.

And so I thank you today as we celebrate Greek Independence Day and lift up our honorees who will be supporting in this evening. Thank you so much.