The countdown to the Greek Independence Day of March 25th has started. Hellenes and Philhellenes are called out to honor our historical roots and heritage and pay tribute to those heroes that stood up against the Ottoman tyranny for us to be free and to remember that freedom was not granted without a price but earned through our forefathers’ sacrifices.
2017 Independence Day Parade will take place on Sunday, April 2nd at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. All necessary information is attached. Please fill out the attached Information Sheet and return as instructed. We will keep you up-to-date about the details of the festivities and anything that hasn’t been determined so far.
We, at the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, are excited to announce that we are bringing again, by popular demand, a Unit of the Greek Presidential Guard (Evzones) to march in our Parade. As you all know, the Evzones is an elite unit of the Greek Army having the privilege to guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek Parliament and the Presidential Mansion. That’s why they are considered to be a symbol of freedom, democracy, and leadership.
The Greek Independence Day Festivities rely on your financial support. The cost of the parade has raised over the last several years. Moreover, philoxenia of the Evzones (accommodation including food and transportation) will be provided at the expense of the Federation. So, please pay dues, if your parish/society/organization hasn’t already done so.
Please save the date and spread the word to all parishioners and members of societies/organizations for the celebration. We all should BE PROUD AND THERE to applause the historical elite Unit of Evzones. Let’s flood Benjamin Franklin Parkway with our enthusiasm, foustanelles, traditional costumes and Greek flags.
For any questions, please feel free to contact the chairman of the Parade, George Maniatis at vicepresident@hellenicfed.org.