Happy National Day Greeks! March 25, 2008
Posted by grhomeboy in Editorial, Special Features.Tags: Cyprus, Greece, Greek Diaspora, Greek Independence Day, National Day
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On 25th March Greece celebrates its National Day, the Independence Day, commonly known as the Greek Revolution (in Greek Ελληνική Επανάσταση, Elliniki Epanastasi).
The anniversary of Independence Day (25 March 1821) is a National holiday in Greece, which falls on the same day as the religious Orthodox feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.
On this occasion, we would like to cordially extend our greetings to all the Greeks, in mainland Greece, in Cyprus and the Greek Diaspora all over this planet earth, our to send our sincerest wishes for a Happy National Day as well as a Happy Name Day [to all the Marias, Panagiotas, Evangelies, Evangelos, Panagiotis, just to name but a few, who celebrate their name day on this major Orthodox Christian feast].
Related Links > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_War_of_Independence
Proclamation by the US President > Greek Independence Day March 21, 2008
Posted by grhomeboy in Greek Diaspora, Special Features.Tags: Greece, Greek Diaspora, Greek History, National Day
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GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY > 25th March 1821
US President proclaims March 25 a day of celebration in America > US President George W. Bush issued a statement proclaiming March 25 as a “day of celebration of Greek and American democracy” in the USA.
March 25 is Greek Independence Day, a National holiday in Greece, and Bush said the day would help “commemorate the heritage of freedom our countries hold dear” and remember “the Greek Americans whose strong spirit, resolve and courage helped shape America.”
Proclamation by the US President > Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2008
On Greek Independence Day, we recognize the important contributions Greek Americans have made to our national character, celebrate the deep friendship between our two countries, and honor the anniversary of the Greek call for independence.
The United States and Greece share a close relationship based on our common belief in the power of freedom. The ancient Athenians gave birth to the principles of democracy, and America’s Founding Fathers were inspired by Greek ideals that honored and respected human dignity and rights. When the people of Greece claimed their independence in 1821, they had the strong support of the United States. Greek patriots risked their lives because they knew freedom and democracy were both their proud legacy and their ultimate destiny. Today, our nations remain allies in the cause of freedom and are working to lay the foundations of peace and spread the blessings of liberty around the world.
In celebrating Greek Independence Day, we commemorate the heritage of freedom our countries hold dear, and we remember the Greek Americans whose strong spirit, resolve, and courage helped shape America.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2008, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Source: White House Press Office > http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080320-5.html
Delicious cod for the Greeks March 21, 2008
Posted by grhomeboy in Food Recipes, Greek Food Culture, Special Features.Tags: Cyprus, Food, Food Recipes, Greece, Greek Food Culture, National Day, Religion & Faith
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In Greece and Cyprus, there are two Sundays in the Easter season when all households cook codfish.
The first is for the religious feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary celebrated on 25th March annualy [also a National Day for Greece, commemorating the Independence Day and the Greek struggle for liberation against the Ottoman empire, started on 25th March 1821] and the second is Palm Sunday, which for this year is celebrated on 20th April, according to the Orthodox Church.
On these days, every household cooks the salted favourite. The pieces of cod are dipped into a batter of flour and water, and deep fried, then served with a garlic spread.
To make the spread, wet white bread, then combine it with lots of garlic, olive oil and lemon juice and blend till creamy.
Sounds delicious, so why not try it? Of course, the excess salt would have to be soaked from the fish overnight.
OCHI Day National anniversary celebrated throughout Greece October 30, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Greece News, Greek Culture Heritage.Tags: Athens, Greece, Greek Culture, Greek Heritage, National Day, News, Thessaloniki
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Armored vehicle drivers salute as they pass members of the Presidential Guard standing in front of the area occupied by President Karolos Papoulias and other dignitaries during yesterday’s military parade in Thessaloniki to mark Ochi Day, the anniversary of the day in 1940 when Greece refused to give in to Benito Mussolini’s Italy. Papoulias said that the day should inspire the Greek people about the ‘endless possibilities’ they possess.
The October 28 National holiday was celebrated with parades throughout Greece on Sunday, with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias expressing his optimism that the country can achieve any goals its sets, no matter how ambitious, because it has endless abilities, provided it leaves behind self-centred practices and attitudes, speaking after the traditional military parade in Thessaloniki.
The Thessaloniki parade was also attended by political party representatives, the Armed Forces leadership, MPs, and foreign diplomats. In a statement after the parade, President Papoulias said that “on such days, we devote more time to think about what the struggling Greek people accomplished”.
Student parades in Athens > The central student parade was held in downtown Athens, attended by Education Minister Evrypides Stylianidis, in central Syntagma Square, with the participation also of the country’s Special Olympics athletes, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as the Athens Philharmonic Orchestra.
Happy National Day October 27, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Greek Culture Heritage.Tags: Cyprus, Greece, Greek Diaspora, National Day
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HomeboyMediaNews Editor sends his best wishes to all the Greek Nation and the Greek people in Greece, Cyprus and the Greek Diaspora all over the world, on the occassion of our National Day on 28 October
Greece celebrates it’s National Day on 28 October commemorating the “OCHI Day” [Ochi in Greek means No] the anniversary of General Ioannis Metaxas’ flat denial to the Italians’ request for free passage to invade Greece.
In October, 1940, Italy, backed by Hitler, wanted to occupy Greece; Metaxas simply responded “Ochi!” – “No!” in Greek. It was a “No!” that brought Greece into the war on the Allied side; for a time, Greece was Britain’s only ally against Hitler.
Greece not only did not give Mussolini’s forces free passage, they seized the offensive and drove them back through most of Albania.
Some historians credit the Greeks’ fierce resistance to the later German paratrooper landings during the Battle of Crete with convincing Hitler that such attacks cost too many German lives. The from-the-air invasion of Crete was the last attempt by the Nazis to use this technique, and the extra resources required to subdue Greece drained and distracted the Third Reich from its efforts on other fronts.
Had Metaxas not said “No!”, World War II might well have lasted considerably longer. One theory suggests that had Greece agreed to surrender without resistance, Hitler would have been able to invade Russia in spring, rather than making his disastrous attempt to take it in winter. Western nations, always happy to credit ancient Greece with the development of democracy, may owe modern Greece an equal but usually unrecognized debt for helping to preserve democracy against its enemies during World War II.
On Ochi Day, all major cities will offer a military parade, and many Greek Orthodox churches will be holding special services. Coastal towns may have naval parades or other celebrations on the waterfront.
Thessaloniki offers a triple celebration, paying reverence to the patron saint of the city, Saint Dimitrios, celebrating its freedom from the Ottomans, and commemorating the entry of Greece into World War II.
Related Links > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohi_Day
Greeks of the Diaspora celebrate our National Day October 27, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Greek Diaspora.Tags: Greece, Greek Diaspora, National Day
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Greek Community of Toronto: Canadians of Greek Heritage Celebrate the 67th Anniversary of “OXI Day”
On Sunday, October 28th, 2007 Canadians of Greek descent commemorate the 67th Anniversary of “OXI Day”. Greece, the birthplace of democracy said “OXI” (NO) to fascism and defended its birthright, despite overwhelming and unfavourable odds. The result of this stern message was powerful, and ignited unprecedented grass-roots resistance against the forces of fascism.
Greece’s decision to resist the fascist forces played a “pivotal role” in WW II. As retired General and former Supreme NATO Commander, Andrew J. Goodpaster, wrote:
“As the years pass, it becomes more and more necessary to recall and record for new generations just how the people of Greece, alone or with allies, gained and held for their country for a century and more the independence and democracy it possesses today -and how in one special moment in history Greece at heavy cost and sacrifice and with great courage and determination played a pivotal role in World War II in defying great forces of tyranny and Axis aggression that were arrayed against not only Greece but the whole of Civilization. It is an inspiring history.”
Today in Greece and places like Toronto the memory of “OXI Day” is celebrated with religious services and parades.
“The 28th of October is not just a simple historic memory: it is a reminder of the highest values and virtues of Hellenism; the passion for justice; the courage in the time of trial; the unity in the midst of conflict, and willingness to offer up oneself or herself for the good of others. On this day we remember both the sacrifices and legacy of “OXI Day”, said Costas Menegakis, President, Greek Community of Toronto.
This year’s Anniversary of “OXI DAY” will be held in GreekTown on the Danforth. The parade will start at Eastern High School of Commerce (Danforth and Donlands) at 1:00 PM and will end west of Chester and Danforth.
Related Links > http://www.greekcommunity.org
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