Dear Members of the Federation,
It’s this time of the year once again for all of us, Greeks and Philhellenes, to celebrate the Greek Independence Day of March 25th. Time is fast approaching and we should all prepare ourselves to honor our historical roots and heritage, to pay a tribute to those heroes that stood up against the Ottoman tyranny in order for us to be free and to remember that freedom was not granted without price, but earned through our ancestors’ sacrifices.
2016 Independence Day Parade will take place on Sunday, April 17 at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.
The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley would like to proudly announce that this year a Unit of the Greek Presidential Guard (Evzones) will march in our Parade. 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 the symbol of freedom, democracy and leadership.
Details on the program of the festivities will follow shortly.
As you know, the Greek Independence Day Festivities rely on your financial support. Philoxenia of the Evzones (accommodation including food and transportation in Philadelphia) will be provided at the expense of the Federation. Please pay dues, if your parish / organization haven’t already done so.
Please save the date and spread the word to all parishioners and members of organizations for the celebration. I would kindly request that you include this message to your weekly bulletins and encourage participation. 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.
Please feel free to contact me for any question about the Parade at the following emails:
vicepresident@hellenicfed.org or nick.spiliotis@gmail.com.
Respectfully,
Nikolaos Spiliotis
Vice-President of the Federation and Parade Chairman