Philadelphia, PA – It’s been more than two decades since the Philadelphia Greek community has seen the Greek Presidential Guard (Evzones) march at the annual Greek Independence Day parade, but now they are returning.

The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley  proudly announce that this year a Unit of 14 soldiers of the Greek Presidential Guard (Evzones) will march in our Greek Independence Day Parade, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, scheduled for April 17th 2016.

The Evzones are an elite unit of the Greek Army having the privilege to guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek Parliament and the Presidential Mansion. That’s why they are considered to be the symbol of freedom, democracy and leadership.

The Evzones will arrive in Philadelphia on April 13th from New York and will attend the annual Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia Dinner on April 16th where the Eleftheria Medal will be awarded. On April the 17th, the Evzones will attend the Doxology Service at St. George Cathedral, and then march in the Greek Independence Day parade along Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Later that evening the Evzones will also perform at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox church in Upper Darby.

As you know, the Greek Independence Day Festivities rely on your financial support. Philoxenia of the Evzones (accommodation including food and transportation in Philadelphia) will be provided at the expense of the Federation. For the latest on the Evzones visit to Philadelphia, go to the Federation website, or go to their Facebook page. For additional information call Stathis Karadonis (856-308-2877), George Horiates (856-986-8972) or Jimmy Rozanitis (856-625-6708).