Electeds Celebrate Greek Independence Day

By Queens Gazette

he Greek Independence Day Celebration at the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York was held on Friday, March 15th, at the Stathakion Center (22-51 29th St., Astoria). The event was sponsored by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, NYS Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, NYS Assembly Member Aravella Simotas and NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides.

The Queens leaders marked the occasion with a ceremony recognizing Greek heritage and culture, and honoring local community members. Greek Independence Day commemorates the start of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. This year’s occasion marked the 197th anniversary of Greek independence.

Senator Gianaris opened the proceedings with a welcome to all attendees, followed by an invocation and the National Anthems of Greece and the United States of America. Assembly Member Simotas and Council Member Constantinides each gave a talk; the Consul General of Greece Konstantinos Koutras, Consul of Greece Lana Zochiou, and Consul General of Cyprus Vasilios Philippou each spoke reflecting on Greek Independence Day. There was a traditional performance by the Academy of Hellenic Padeia.

Gianaris, Simotas, and Constantinides presented Citations of Honor to Maria Haralampopoulos, an educator at the Academy of American Studies; Father George Anastasiou, chaplain with the NYPD; Betsy Sideris, principal of St. Catherine’s school; Effie Lekas, professor at Queens College; and Florence Koulouris, district manager of Community Board 1. They also presented a Proclamation to the Federation of Hellenic Societies. Closing remarks were made by Demetrius Kalamaras, Esq.

Senator Gianaris said, “As the son of Greek immigrants, I am proud to host another Greek Independence Day celebration. There is no better place than Astoria to recognize our heritage and celebrate the spirit of democracy, freedom and independence that links the US and Greece.”

“It is a privilege to join my colleagues in government to celebrate Greek Independence Day in Astoria, which so many Greek immigrants have called home. Those immigrants and their families have enhanced our beautiful community while they pursued their American dreams,” said Assembly Member Simotas. “The five extraordinary Hellenes that we honor at this year’s celebration strengthen and promote our Greek heritage daily through our schools, churches and civic engagement. They have my deepest appreciation for lifting up our Greek community and this beautiful borough of Queens that we call home.”

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said, “It is an honor to co-host this official celebration of Greek Independence Day with my colleagues in government. We will recognize the many accomplishments Greece has made as the birthplace of democracy and as a beacon of culture and freedom throughout the world. We will also recognize the thousands of Greek Americans who have contributed greatly to the economic, civic, political and cultural life of the borough of Queens and the City of New York.”

“I am proud to once again join our strong Greek American community in Astoria to celebrate Greek Independence Day,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides. “We recognize the achievements that all our honorees have made in promoting the Hellenic and democratic values that our Greek ancestors have instilled in us. These community leaders are important role models who embody civic engagement throughout our neighborhood. Thank you to my colleagues, Borough President Katz, Senator Gianaris, and Assembly Member Simotas, for helping our community honor the contributions of Greek Americans.”