By Aphrodite Kotrotsios
During the US National Independence Day celebration on July 4th, held at the Athens Music Hall, US Ambassador to Athens George Tsunis reaffirmed the embassy’s dedication to promoting diversity, equality, and accessibility in its policies.
Tsunis underscored the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, addressing historical and structural inequalities to enable every individual to reach their potential. He emphasized the necessity of tackling these disparities head-on.
Highlighting the embassy’s efforts, Tsunis spoke about funded initiatives aimed at addressing daily accessibility challenges through 3D printing solutions. He also mentioned significant investments in educational partnerships between schools and universities, as well as short-term training programs for teachers.
Marking his last Independence Day reception as ambassador to Greece, Tsunis expressed gratitude for serving in his ancestral homeland. He reflected on the celebration as a tribute to America’s democratic values, which align closely with those of Athens.
Tsunis called for a unified effort to safeguard democracy, particularly in the face of challenges like social insecurity, inequality, and climate change. He stressed the importance of maintaining human dignity, fostering respectful public discourse, and rejecting hate and division.
The event also featured a performance by stand-up comedian Katerina Vrana, who shared her experiences overcoming a health crisis that impacted her mobility, vision, and speech. Vrana highlighted the need for better education and accessibility in Greece, especially from the perspective of individuals with disabilities.
This year’s July 4th event, held outside the embassy’s residence for the first time, focused on education, inclusion, and accessibility. It honored Judy Heumann, a trailblazing disability rights activist whose work significantly influenced global equality efforts. Heumann’s contributions, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, continue to inspire progress toward inclusivity.
The celebration also showcased food and drinks from popular American brands such as Starbucks, Hard Rock Cafe, Cinnabon, Oreo, and M&Ms, adding a flavorful touch to the festivities.
The ceremony featured sign language interpretation and staff trained to assist visitors with various needs, emphasizing the commitment to making the event accessible to all.
