ΕΑΝ ΠΡΟΤΙΜΑΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΗ ΣΗΜΑΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΜΕΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΘΟΝΗΣ
Arthur Piccolo reflected on this history, noting that the additional flagpole has since allowed many ethnic communities in New York to celebrate their heritage. Disgracefully, Arthur Piccolo called Lou Katsos a “hero” instead of reprimanding him for desecrating the historic Bowling Green by installing two huge plaques with his and John Catsimatidis’s names (please link here for our full report). The Federation should take action to remove these atrocious plaques!!
By Helleniscope’s Editorial Team
On Friday, April 25, 2026, a dignified and highly symbolic Greek flag-raising ceremony took place at Bowling Green Park in Lower Manhattan, marking the official opening of the Greek Independence Day celebrations in New York. The day’s events began with a doxology led by ABElpidophoros at St. Nicholas at the World Trade Center. The presence of senior clergy underscored the close relationship between faith and national identity within the Greek-American community, or – to put it mildly – to express regret for their intentional undermining of the Greek Revolution of 1821 and to usurp much of its glory… Again, the exceptions prove the rule… The historical truth is that even the famous “Agia Lavra” event is grossly exaggerated and that the clergy’s main goal during the Revolution was ta safeguard its Ottoman privileges…
Organization and Leadership
The ceremony was organized by the Parade Committee of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, under the leadership of Parade Chairman Lou Katsos, alongside Dimos Siokis, Nomiki Kastana, and Aris Kourkoulis, who presided over the event.
Ceremony and Historical Significance
The event coincided with the 30th anniversary of the installation of the second flagpole at Bowling Green, originally donated in 1996 by the Federation. Arthur Piccolo reflected on this history, noting that the additional flagpole has since allowed many ethnic communities in New York to celebrate their heritage. Disgracefully, Arthur Piccolo called Lou Katsos a “hero”, instead of reprimanding him for desecrating the historic place of Bowling Green by installing two huge plaques with his and John Catsimatidis’s names (please link here for our full report). The Federation should take action to remove these atrocious plaques!!
The raising of the Greek and American flags was accompanied by the playing of the national anthems by the Philharmonic Band of Korakiana from Corfu and the band of the Greek Classical Charter School of Brooklyn. The ceremonial presence of the Evzones of the Hellenic Presidential Guard added a powerful visual and symbolic dimension.
Distinguished Guests and Official Remarks
Among the honored guests was Nikitas Kaklamanis, who described the ceremony as “the most moving moment of his life” at the age of 80. In his remarks, he reflected on the symbolism of the Greek flag flying alongside the American flag—and near the flag of Cyprus—highlighting themes of freedom and ongoing struggles for national unity.
Additional remarks were delivered by prominent figures including:
- John Catsimatidis, who praised the event and honored the legacy of Greek ancestors
- Michael Tannousis, who emphasized unity among Greek-American elected officials
- Kyriakos Pogiatzis, who spoke about the ongoing goal of Cyprus reunification
- Dean Trantalis, who stressed the Greek commitment to freedom
- Nektarios Farmakis, who highlighted the importance of connecting history with identity
Members of the Greek Parliament, including Thanasis Papathanasis and Giorgos Gavrilis, also expressed strong emotions about participating in the celebrations.
Cultural Performances and Community Participation
The ceremony featured performances by Greek-American and visiting groups from Greece. Dance ensembles included:
- The “Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis” School of the Holy Cross community in Brooklyn
- The “Plato” Greek Afternoon School of Brooklyn
- The Greek Classical Charter School of Brooklyn
- Dance groups from Larissa (FILPA) and the Region of Western Greece
These performances, along with appearances by students from the Hellenic College of Thessaloniki, highlighted the role of Greek education in preserving cultural identity across generations.
Musical performances by the Korakiana Philharmonic and student bands further enriched the program, while the Evzones provided a striking ceremonial presence.
