Philadelphia, PA – The Evzones (Greek National Guard) visit to Philadelphia for Greek Independence Day will highlight this year’s parade and reunite a community. The week long visit scheduled to take place from April 13th to April 17th, was the main topic of discussion last night at the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley meeting.
Representatives from organizations and churches were present as president Stathis Karadonis of the Federation announced “We are in need of volunteers to help. The return of the Evzones to our Parade is a big step forward for our community, and we need to make this a memorable week, where we honor those that gave their lives to liberate Greece. It is our responsibility to continue the traditions of our ancestors and share our history with our community”.
It’s been some 20 years since the Evzones last visited Philadelphia. This year, they will tour our city and the region for 5 days. They will visit our Orthodox churches and historic sites and make special appearances, where they will promote Hellenism. “Chaperones and volunteers for the parade and the week long series of events are needed. Please ask your churches, organizations and corporate sponsors to help”, said Karadonis. “We want to reach the extended community PhilHellenes who appreciate what Hellenism has given to society.
During the week leading up to the parade, there will be proclamations and flag raising ceremonies conducted in four Greek communities around the metropolitan area, ( Wildwood, NJ, Vineland NJ, Upper Darby, PA., Cherry Hill NJ.). Each Greek community will send representatives to their respective city halls, along with children dressed as Evzones. A proclamation will be read, with a flag raising ceremony that will follow. Each community is conducting the ceremony at different times throughout the next four weeks, starting March 26th.
A final ceremony will be conducted on Friday, April 15th at City Hall in Philadelphia. Mayor Kenney will host the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies and the Evzones for a final proclamation and flag raising ceremony. “The entire community is invited to attend and be part of this historic moment, where we revive this tradition and commemorate the history of Greek Independence Day in Philadelphia”, said Karadonis.