AHEPA Celebrates Greek Independence Day at White House

credit AHEPA

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading membership-based association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, and its affiliated organizations, celebrated the 191st Anniversary of Greek Independence at a White House ceremony on March 22, 2012. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, Jr. and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios provided remarks.

"We are deeply grateful to President Obama for issuing the Proclamation that affirms the 'shared history and deep partnerships' between the people of the United States and Greece and renews the bonds between the two countries," said Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides. "We also thank the president for expressing his appreciation of the people of Greece and the Greek American community."

The Presidential Proclamation, while reflecting on the vast contributions of Greece to the world, foremost being democratic principles and ideals that inspired America's Founding Fathers, also looks forward to a shared future between allies and friends.

"Today, on the 191st anniversary of Greece's independence, we commemorate that struggle to restore democracy in its birthplace, renew the bonds that bring our countries together, and celebrate the Hellenic ideals that continue to shape the American experience," the Proclamation states.

Several AHEPA family leaders accompanied President Dr. Grossomanides to the ceremony, including: Daughters of Penelope Grand Vice President Joanne Saltas, Sons of Pericles Supreme President Manolis Sfinarolakis, Maids of Athena Grand President Marianthe Kokokithas, Chairman of the Board Nicholas A. Karacostas, PSP; Daughters of Penelope Grand Secretary Anna Helene Panagakos, Supreme Treasurer Andrew Zachariades, Supreme Governor Nick Dixie, District 5 Governor Savas Tsivicos, Executive Director Basil Mossaidis, Daughters of Penelope Executive Director Elena Saviolakis, and Life Member, John Grossomanides, father of the supreme president.

Prior to the White House ceremony, Supreme President Grossomanides attended a White House briefing on U.S.-Greece relations, including Greece's economic crisis.