📍 New York City – March 29, 2025

On the eve of the 2025 Greek Independence Day Parade, the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan played host to a night of stirring tributes, national pride, and cross-cultural solidarity during the official Greek Independence Gala. Organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, the event brought together a remarkable blend of political dignitaries, cultural icons, business leaders, and Greek-Americans to celebrate 204 years since the Greek Revolution of 1821.

🎆 Celebrating the Spirit of 1821

With a packed room of attendees waving Greek and American flags, the program opened with tributes to the Hellenic spirit of resilience, independence, and freedom. The symbolism of the 1821 revolution was echoed throughout the evening — from the opening performances to the powerful remarks delivered by politicians, business leaders, and artists.

🇺🇸 U.S. Officials: Democracy and Solidarity

The event featured stirring remarks from leading U.S. officials:

🏛️ Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT)

“We are strong together. We need Greece as an ally more than ever before. Greece stands as a beacon of democracy and freedom.”

🏛️ Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ)

“A united Cyprus, free of foreign occupation — that is the fight of today and tomorrow. And we will remain at it for however long it takes.”

🏛️ Rep. Grace Meng (NY)

“The Hellenic-American relationship is built on shared values. As we honor Greece’s independence, we also honor your contribution to American society — as business leaders, educators, and defenders of democracy.”

🏛️ Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY)

“No matter who’s in office — Democrat or Republican — we must remain the loudest voices in the room for Cyprus, for the Aegean, and for our shared heritage.”

🏛️ Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY)

“The F-35s will not go to Turkey. Not while they continue to undermine Greek and Cypriot sovereignty. Democracy must never be taken for granted — and we will defend it together.”

🛳️ Grand Marshal: Evangelos Marinakis

A towering figure in shipping, sports, and media, Evangelos Marinakis was honored as Grand Marshal:

“Whenever I land in this beautiful country, I feel the action, the democracy, and the sense that anyone can chase their dream. This is the American dream, and it aligns with the spirit of Greece.”

Chairman of Capital Maritime fleet (150+ vessels)

Owner of Olympiacos F.C.

Producer of Famagusta, shedding light on Cyprus

Backer of Maestro, the first Greek Netflix series

🏆 “We made history last year by winning two European championships — one by our main team and another by our youth team. It’s a message to Greek children — you can be winners.”

🇬🇷 Greek Parliamentarians

🏛️ Ioannis Gorgandas, Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament

“You are the strength of Hellenism in this great country. Your presence gives strength to Mother Greece.”

🏛️ Nikos Androulakis, President of PASOK

“The revolution of 1821 was carried out by a few against a mighty empire. It is a reminder of what we Greeks can accomplish when united.”

⚠️ “Cyprus remains divided, and we must not accept any undermining of our national sovereignty.”

🏅 Honorary Marshals

🎭 Christoforos Papakaliatis

Renowned actor, director, and creator of Maestro

🎬 “The stories we tell shape how the world sees us. With Maestro, we showed that Greek drama is not just ancient — it is also modern, human, universal.”

🏋️ Pyrros Dimas

Three-time Olympic gold medalist

🗣️ “Wherever Greeks go, we take our culture with us. And it’s that spirit that keeps our nation strong across the world.”

“Teach your children Hellenic pride — in values, in discipline, in heart.”

✝️ Faith and Remembrance

Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras

🙏 “The heroes of 1821 fought not only for land — but for the right to live in truth, as Christians, as Greeks, and as free people.”

🎶 Musical Tribute: Kyrenia Opera

A moving performance from Kyrenia Opera, under Constantinos Yiannoudes, honored the cultural strength of Cyprus and the collective Hellenic spirit.

🎉 A Night to Remember

The evening concluded with emotional reflections and a united chant:

✊ “Zito I Ellas! Long Live Greece!”

As guests looked ahead to the Fifth Avenue parade, one message resonated: the legacy of 1821 remains a living torch for Hellenes worldwide.

📅 Date: March 29, 2025📍 Venue: Ziegfeld Ballroom, New York City🎥 Videography & Editing: Grammaticus Macedon🔗 More Info: www.hellenicsocieties.org