By Nick Stamatakis
Today, we will use Helleniscope’s photographic lens (which always includes the lens of our friends) to walk you through the sequence of events in the last steps toward this Sunday’s Parade. This morning, a special service was held at St. Nicholas, Ground Zero, with the glorious Evzones present…
Then, the procession started from St.Nicholas to Bowling Green, where, right next to the famous “Bull of Wall Street,” the flag-raising ceremony traditionally takes place. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and made a mess of the situation, as the flag was not raised by the Evzones but by the Police… The rest of the events (dances, etc.) were limited or canceled.
However, Nomiki Kastana was able to read to the participants a remarkable, short but concise address by Arthur Piccolo, Chairman of the Bowling Green Association, who, in a few paragraphs, recounted how this ceremony started 28 years ago with him and Theodore Pavlakos as the leaders of the initiative. Here it is:
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THE REMARKABLE ADDRESS BY ARTHUR PICCOLO AT THE BOWLING GREEN RAISING OF THE FLAGS CEREMONY
Members of the Federation & all Greek Americans,
For the first time since that glorious day in March 1996, I have never missed a Greek Independence celebration here at Bowling Green and always delivered personal greeting that is until today. I have to be elsewhere nearby this could not be avoided.
I want to thank my very good friend Theodore Pavlakos, who is more responsible for this second flagpole, the Greek flagpole, than anyone, and with the assistance of Denis Liberatos and Dino Ralis. They must always be remembered and never forgotten.
Allow me a few words about 2026, two years from now, the 30th anniversary. It coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence. I hope the Federation and others will be inspired to begin planning right now a Greek independence celebration in April 2026 more glorious than any before, with a march from St. Nicholas with not only the Evzones but also bands and floats, many special guests, and thousands of marchers.
I know the Archbishop prayed I would not mention the two flag poles for St. Nicholas today, but what a unique and special way to celebrate the 250th anniversary and the 30th anniversary together in 2026 than with the dedication of those two magnificent new flag poles that very day to fly the Greek and American flags year-round. And once again, Theodore, thank you so much for your leadership transforming Bowling Green forever back in 1996.
My best wishes for Greek Americans and Greek independence,
Arthur Piccolo
Chairman
Bowling Green Association
April 12, 2024
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Last night (Thursday, April 11), we had the celebratory “Panomogeniaki” gathering at Stathakeion, attended by the most significant honorees and participants. Again, the Evzones were at the center of attention and were impressive in their blue suits. One of them stood out with a very Greek mustache!
As for the rest, Mr. Vangelis Meimarakis (VP of the European Popular Party), members of the Greek Parliament, the Mayor of Chios, and a few other dignitaries were there and addressed the crowd, which Philip Christopher, Parade Committee Chairman and PSEKA President, the Archbishop, the Greek Consul, Mr.Konstantinou, etc welcomed.
PHOTO ABOVE: Greek MP Milena Apostolaki (PASOK) gave a short but meaningful address, proving that she knows the Cyprus Question and the rest of the Greek Foreign Policy issues quite well.
PHOTO: The mayor of Chios, Dr. Malafis, was the center of attention of our many Chian associations and will be honored at a special event in NJ.
PHOTO: Peter Vlitas, who was in charge of the Evzones and covered all their expenses (airfare, hotel, etc.), stressed his family’s background from a Laconian village, with all his close relatives participating in Greek wars since the Revolution. Mr. Vlitas was again “bugged” by Kostas Ouranitsas, who aggressively demanded from Mr. Vlitas that he play a role in handling the Evzones. He was finally given a microphone to pass around the Evzones so they could announce themselves and their place of origin…
I have a suggestion for the “disastrous duo,” Fr. Evagoras and Ouranitsas: If you want to prove that you are in charge of the Evzones, why don’t you follow them to NJ tomorrow to see how Met. Apostolos and the NJ Federation will treat you? Hmm… I hear you are not that welcome there—nobody wants to see you play your usual games.
PHOTO ABOVE: Savvas Tsivicos, AHEPA President and proud (Paphian) Cypriot, could not take it anymore and gave a fiery address last night at the Federation, demanding from the Greek Politicians present not to treat Cyprus as a foreign land. “Cyprus does not lie far”, shouted Savvas… “Η Κύπρος κείται μακράν” was a proverbial expression used in 1974 by then-Greek PM Constantine Karamanlis to justify why Greece did not send military help, while it had both submarines and fighter jets technologically advanced compared with the Turkish ones. Dear Savva, the AB of Cyprus Georgios just last week asked for the re-introduction of the “Unified Defense Area” between Greece and Cyprus. Do you know who objects? Your friends at the State Department. Are you willing to raise your voice to them? Or will you pretend to make a difference by addressing a few Greek politicians and the “Turk” AB Elpidophoros at the Federation?
April 12, 2024, n.stamatakis@aol.com www.helleniscope.com
DISCLAIMER: The views and statements expressed in this article constitute constitutionally protected opinions of this author.
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