In the presence of the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, the event culminated with the parade on 5th Avenue in New York culminated in the American Homeland celebration of March 25, 1821.
The parade in the “heart” of the American metropolis was not just a festival, but a demonstration of the power of Hellenism, with the participation of hundreds of expatriate organizations causing chills of emotion among thousands of homogenous people of all ages, reinforcing national feeling. At the same time, it was a clear message that at such critical moments when world changes are taking place globally with the existence of two wars (Ukraine, Iran), Greeks must be one fist, when after 52 years, the “gap” of the Cypriot remains open.
Mr. Kaklamanis, who, it should be noted, is the first President of the Greek Parliament to visit the US after 18 years, described at an event preceding the parade, The President described his presence on the other side of the Atlantic as enforced, in order to honour the Greek community of America, which holds high the Greek flag and is always on the front line in defence of our national interests.
He also stressed that the Motherland will always be close to them in whatever they need and reminded that no Greek woman or Greek man should ever forget Cyprus, which has been suffering for half a century under the Turkish yoke and a constant struggle is required from everyone in order for the martyred island to regain its freedom.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Parliament had been present at the Principle Praise Service of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, which was performed by Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros and in his brief speech after the divine service, he stressed that Greece does not forget its children in the United States, since they are the most powerful pillar of national influence in the centres of decision making.
More specifically, addressing the Greeks of the diaspora, as well as representatives of the political and military leadership, Mr. N. Kaklamanis stressed the importance of historical memory and collective responsibility for the preservation of the fundamental values of Hellenism.
“Today we are here not only to celebrate another anniversary, nor only to honour those who sacrificed so that we could be free. We are here to make a pledge together.
We are certainly fighting for democracy and peace throughout the world but if necessary, we make a promise before the Virgin Mary who looks down on us from above that we will do the same as our ancestors, even sacrificing our lives in order to defend the freedom and territorial integrity of our homeland,” he said.
The Speaker of the Parliament also stressed the religious and cultural identity of Hellenism, characterizing the importance of faith as an element of unity and endurance.
Mr. Kaklamanis made special mention of the Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, whom he thanked warmly for his presence at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and his participation in the celebrations, stressing the timeless friendship and cooperation between Greece and the United States.
In fact, he extended an invite to Z. Mahmadi to visit the Greek Parliament soon, with the mayor of New York thanking him on his part, while praising the presence of the Greek community in the development of the city.
Present at the festivities, which took place in New York, were the New Dems’ MP Mr. Thanasis Papathanasis and the SYRIZA MP Mr. Giorgos Gavrilos.
