By: Nykolah Chatzis
On Sunday, April 26th, the City of Boston held their annual Greek Independence Parade. The parade ran along iconic Boylston Street, the very same used for the Boston Marathon, and finished at the Boston Common. Hellenic Americans of all ages came out to show their Greek Pride; whether they were marching or watching the elaborate floats go by. All kinds of Greek groups and organizations came out to march from churches, to fraternities, to national organizations. This was a big day for all Greeks and Philhellenes in Boston. Following the Greek Parade, in the “Common”, was the Greek Festival where music, filled with bouzouki, energized dancing and smoked meats blended to create a wonderful, joyous experience for all who attended. However, nothing expressed the passion for our heritage and history like the petition the Pan-Macedonian Association USA featured at this parade, spearheaded by its President, Dimitris Chatzis. The petition is to be sent to the White House to, ‘Immediately reverse the Executive Order by the Bush Administration of 2004, recognizing the country of “FYROM” as “Republic of Macedonia”.’ There is only one Macedonia and that sentiment was strongly felt by the crowds that gathered at this event. There were people, Greeks and non-Greeks, all along Boylston Street and in the festival collecting signatures. Many who attended signed and praised the initiative by the Pan-Macedonian Association citing that we as Greeks have had enough. We can’t take anymore propaganda and the theft of who we are as a people. While Boston was a success and so were the other national parades in New York, Chicago, Baltimore, it still isn’t enough. More people need to express their desire for a stable Greece, a stable Balkans and the protection of our history and identity. Together we can!
Photo Credit: Gabriel Sanchez