Greek Independence Day

On behalf of the American Hellenic Council, I would like to pay tribute to the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence Day! March 25th is known to all Greek Orthodox Christians as the commemoration of the Annunciation of the Theotokos! It also marks the beginning of the Greek War of Independence! On this day, Bishop Germanos raised the flag of the revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra! The slogan of “Freedom or Death” became the slogan to free the Greek people of some 400 years under the Ottoman yoke.

With the help of the naval fleets of France, Britain and Russia, the Ottoman fleet was defeated at the famous Battle of Navarino. This ultimately would lead to Greek Independence declared in the Treaty of Edirne.

America’s early fathers praised the Greek War of Independence and victory. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “No people sympathise more feeling than ours with the sufferings of your countrymen, none offer more sincere and ardent prayers to heaven for their success!”

Today, President Joe Biden issued an important proclamation on Greek Independence Day as “A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy.” He continued in stating that “the alliance between Greece and the United States has never been stronger!  As Greece and the United States meet the future together, the ties of family and the contributions of Greek Americans continue to strengthen our partnership at every turn.”

Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senator John Barrasso introduced a bi-partisan Senate resolution commemorating the anniversary of Greek Independence Day!

On this Day of National Celebration, the American Hellenic Council call upon all Greek Americans to commemorate the memory of the heroes of the revolution and continue to be vigilant to protect against any future threat to Greece.

ZHTO ELLAS!
Dr. Jim Dimitriou
President & Chairman

Greece, personified as a woman in the painting, surrounded by fighters of the Greek War of Independence. “Grateful Hellas” by Theodoros Vryzakis, 1858. Credit: Public Domain