EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). The pictures show a vibrant youth by the Pontians, among whom Helleniscope has so many friends… A few years ago, in 2019, we worked together for the initial recognition of the Hellenic Genocides by the US Congress – and it was a rare moment when the Greek-American community managed to overcome problems and divisions and to achieve a worthy goal, even partially….
In the photos, you can see the youngest generation of the Pontians thriving, led by George Petrides, their president… My congratulations!!
PHOTOS: The leader of the youth, George Petrides (left) and the President of Panagia Soumela Foundation, Babis Vasiliadis (right)…
I have one note, though: I remember when, for many years, we had the ceremony commemorating the Genocide at the Bowling Green. It was a really effective and enjoyable event with the youth dancing the ancient Pontian dances and the speeches attracting attention from the many passersby during lunch hour… Above all, the words “Pontian Genocide” were heard at the heart of Manhattan’s financial district. It was a public event…
The way it is done now, it is primarily a secluded, private event. But this event is not simply to memorialize our ancestors, but to demonstrate this crime against humanity to the whole world and expose those who committed it, the barbarian Turks, who are still unpunished… And it is not simply for us and our children – it is for the world to see and learn…
Maybe we could change the structure of the event… We could combine a morning Memorial service in the Church with the traditional raising of the flag “ritual” in the afternoon at Bowling Green. It only makes sense.
