The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley announced its 2023 Greek Independence Celebrations earlier this week.
On Friday, March 31, 2023, the celebrations for the weekend will commence at 2:00 PM with a flag-raising ceremony at the North Apron of City Hall in Philadelphia, PA. The City of Philadelphia will present a Proclamation to commemorate the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence. The Evzones, Greece’s elite military unit responsible for guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion, will be in attendance and add a powerful display to the ceremony and during the Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The marching cadence and distinctive uniforms of the Evzones are a source of pride for Greeks and guests.
The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley has proudly announced that the 2023 Eleftheria Medal Recipient is Her Excellency Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the United States of America. The Eleftheria Medal will be presented to her on Saturday, April 1, 2023, during the Eleftheria Medal and Dignitaries Dinner, which will begin at 5:00 PM at Adelphia, 1750 Clements Bridge Road, Deptford, NJ.
The Federation has also announced the 2023 Grand Marshal of the Greek Independence Parade, His Excellency George J. Tsunis, the Ambassador of the United States to the Hellenic Republic. The Federation will present the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence with its Annual Greek Independence Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday, April 2, 2023. The formation will start at 1:00 PM at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the Parade will officially begin at 2:00 PM. The procession will end at the reviewing stand at 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The Parade will feature participation from local, national, and international organizations, including His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, representatives from the governments and military of the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus, national, statewide, and local governments, folk dance troupes, local Greek Orthodox churches, cultural and educational organizations.
A Post Parade reception with free admission will be open to the public at the Sheraton Liberty Ballroom, 201 N. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA. The event will feature performances by local traditional Greek folk dance groups, music, and light fare. This event will officially conclude the Parade, commemorating this historic occasion.
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GRAND MARSHAL
Ambassador of the United States of America to the Hellenic Republic,
His Excellency George J. Tsunis
ELEFTHERIA MEDAL RECIPIENT
Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the United States of America,
Her Excellency Alexandra Papadopoulou