Τhe Greek Independence Day Parade in New York, April 22, 2018. (Photo by TNH/Costas Bej)
NEW YORK – The Greek Independence Parade in New York City drew a
great crowd on April 22. Organized by the Federation of Hellenic
Societies of Greater New York, the parade celebrated the 197th
anniversary of Greek Independence.
The bright sunshine and mild temperatures gave an added incentive to
attend and participate this year, one of the best in terms of weather in
recent memory. Many remarked that it was “a Greek day” with blue skies
and only a wisp of cloud here and there, as the blue and white flags
waved all along 5th Avenue.
The parade began with the New York City Police Department Mounted
Color Guard, the NYPD Ceremonial Band, the Fire Department of New York
Hellenic Society, New York City Parks and Recreation Department, the
Color Guard with the banner of the Federation, the Greek and American
flags, followed by the Federation Board of Directors led by President
Petros Galatoulas, Vice President Basile Gournelos, 2nd Vice President
Cleanthis Maimaroglou, and 3rd Vice President George Kalergios.
The Grand Marshals, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Nassau County
District Attorney Madeline Singas, and businessman and philanthropist
Pantelis Boumbouras marched along with Honorary Parade Chairman His
Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of
America, Parade Chairmen Emeritus John Catsimatides and Philip
Christopher, and Parade Chairwoman Nancy Papaioannou.
Also marching, Parade Co-Chairmen Aris Kourkoumelis and Paul
Kotronus, Parade Coordinator Athanasios Aronis, Parade Executive
Director Georgea Kontzamanis, New York Senator Chuck Schumer, Rep.
Carolyn Maloney, Consul General of Greece in New York Konstantinos
Koutras, Consul General of Cyprus in New York Amb. Vasilios Philippou,
Consul of Greece Lana Zochiou, and other representatives of Greece and
Cyprus and elected officials including New York City Mayor Bill de
Blasio, Mayor of Kerkyra Konstantinos Nikolouzos, and Mayor of Chios
Manolis Vournous.
New York’s Greek-American elected officials State Senator Michael
Gianaris, Assemblymembers Aravella Simotas and Nicole Malliotakis, and
City Council Member Costa Constantinides also marched proudly in the
parade.
The honorary battalion included the much-anticipated Evzones- the
Presidential Guard, who impressed everyone at the parade as they do
every year. Their presence always inspires pride and appreciation among
all those in attendance. This year, when the Evzones reached the
grandstand, and turned to face the dignitaries, there was a moment of
silence for Greek Air Force pilot Giorgos Baltadoros who was tragically
killed when his plane crashed in the waters off the coast of Skyros.
After the solemn moment, the National Anthems of the United States
and Greece were performed. The Evzones then continued their march up 5th
Avenue to the applause and shouts of “Long live Greece” from the crowd.
Consul General of Greece Konstantinos Koutras spoke with The National
Herald and noted that it was wonderful day and very moving to see all
ages participating in the parade.
The parade’s family atmosphere was highlighted by the many parents
and children dressed in traditional costume, among them Effie Andreou
and her twin daughters, Constantia and Barbara, marching with the
Pancyprian Association Dance Division.
Anthoula Katsimatides and Nomiki Kastanas- General Secretary of the
Federation, served as the parade emcees, announcing the various groups,
associations, churches, and schools, along with facts about each.
The parade was also broadcast on My 9 with Greek- Americans Ernie
Anastos- veteran anchorman, and Nicole Petallides- Fox Business Network
anchor, hosting and Fox 5 meteorologist Nick Gregory conducting
interviews. Mike Woods, also a Fox 5 meteorologist, conducted interviews
as well, noting his love of Greece, the culture and the people. He
posted on Twitter, “We had an amazing day for the #GreekIndependenceDay
#parade #centralPark #spring #workfamily #fun.”
Gregory, an avid Greek dancer, changed into traditional costume to
perform with his dance group at the end of the broadcast. Anastos,
Petallides, and Woods joined in the dancing which continued even after
the broadcast ended.
Petallides told TNH that it is wonderful to be a part of the
celebration of Hellenic heritage and to see so many people and
dignitaries participating in the parade.
The parade continued until late in the afternoon with thousands
participating. Thanks to the mild weather, many parade-goers lingered
hours longer than they have in recent years when the parade was held
closer to March 25th. Many headed to their favorite Greek restaurants in
Manhattan or Astoria to continue the celebration. All looked forward to
next year’s parade.
The armed forces parade in Athens is also held annually to commemorate Greek Independence. The history of the parade in
the U.S. could easily fill the pages of a book since it follows the
rich history of the Greek community. While parades have been held in
many U.S. cities over the years, some of the most popular annual parades
are held in New York, Chicago, Boston, Tarpon Springs, Baltimore,
Detroit, and Philadelphia.
The celebration of pride in our Greek heritage, history, faith, and
language, along with the memories shared by family and friends lasts a
lifetime.
Follows the 2018 Greek Independence lineup
In
April of 1915 the Ottomans killed thousands of Armenian men living in
Constantinople and other parts of Turkey starting a genocide that lasted
more than 10 years against Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians. Women,
children and old men were deported to Cilicia and Syria.
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