Two hundred persons attended the Athenian’s Society of New York 72nd Anniversary of Athens’ Liberation on October 12, 1944 at the Archdiocesan Hellenic Cultural Center at 27-09 Crescent St, Astoria, NY. Journalist Demetrios Filios was the keynote speaker. The Program is as follows: Musical Performance by Julie Ziavras, vocalist/guitar; Kostas Fotiadis, bouzouki; Glafkos Kontemeniotis, keyboards; Moderator, Tasos Mouzakis and Artistic Director Thanasis Tzouvelis.
“United we do miracles,” said keynote speaker Demetrios filios. “The Liberation of Athens from the Germans in WWII was bloodless. German soldiers lowered their flag from the acropolis. They passed through crowds of Athenians singing and waving flags. The population was starving. Over forty thousand civilians died in Athens alone. Greece was polarized. We will not discus the civil war. The occupation ruined the Greek economy. The civilian population suffered terrible hardships. The historical memory must emphasize to the young the unity of Greece.”
The WWII songs sung by Ms. Julie Ziavras conveyed the life in the era. She was accompanied by Mr. Fotiadis and Mr. Kontemeniotis who enhanced her performance. Ms. Ziavras has an exceptional voice. I am honored to be present for this outstanding presentation.
The Book fair showed the best of Greek-American literature. Book presenters were Gabriel Panagiosoulis, Alexandra Kavounidis, Kali Loverdos, Dody Tsiantar of the Hellenic Book Club, Dr. John G. Siolas, Nikos Zavolas, Pauline Manos and Zan Tsagarakos. Mrs. Pauline Manos’ book “The Adventures of Aris” is bilingual. I purchased it at a former Book fair. All the literature presented is great reading.
This free event is the highlight of the fall 2016 season. The Athenian’s Society of New York has the following members: Executive Board: Panos Adamopoulos, President; Paul Hatzikyriakos, Vice President; Sylvia Adamopoulou, Secretary; Dimitra Mihalakopoulou, Treasurer; Board Members: Tasos Mouzakis; Stelios Stroumbakis, Katy Alexandropoulou, Christina Skiada, Grigoris Koulbanides; Alternate Board Members: Vana Kontomerkou, and Fani Pagoulatou.
Sponsors of the event include: The National Herald; The Greek News; Efimerida; Cosmos FM; Hellas FM; Aktina FM; New Greek TV and Mega Contracting Inc. The Athenians’ Society of NY is a 501. © (3) Non-profit organization founded in 1920.
Links:
https://goo.gl/photos/o4PALsX6E2yBpwLb7 – photo album
Photo 1 – Panos Adamopoulos, President (left to right) and Keynote speaker Demetrios Filios
Photo 3 – Reception.
Photo 4 – Alexandra Kavounidis of the Hellenic Book Club
