AHI Hosts Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day
(L-R) AHI President Nick Larigakis, Ambassador from Greece to the U.S. Katerina Nassika, Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues Co-Chair Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues Co-Chair Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH)
No. 39
WASHINGTON, DC - The American Hellenic Institute hosted its annual “Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day” to celebrate the 203rd Anniversary of Greek Independence on March 20th, 2024. AHI held the event in cooperation with the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues’ co-chairs, U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH).
The celebration featured remarks from the Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Katerina Nassika, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S. Evangelos Savva, and Members of Congress, including Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), and Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY).
Written remarks were also provided by Congressman Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD).
The event highlighted the democratic ideals shared between the American Revolution and the Greek Revolution, the increasingly strong relationship between the U.S. and Greece, and the importance of the Greek American community. Over 100 guests, including members of the Greek American community, congressional staff, and other government and non-profit organizations, were in attendance.
AHI President Nick Larigakis served as the event’s moderator. He thanked the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and the ambassadors for their support of the event.
Excerpts of Remarks
Ambassador of Greece to the U.S. Katerina Nassika
Thank you to the American Hellenic Institute for organizing this annual celebration of Greek Independence for over 15 years. I especially thank the Congressional Hellenic Caucus and its Co-Chairs, Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Chris Pappas for their part in this celebration and for their valuable support in promoting the just causes of Greece and of the Greek American community, of which we are very proud.
Greece is a member of the European Union and NATO. Our democratic institutions are strong. We have overcome the financial crisis. The Economist magazine has selected Greece as the Country of year for 2023.
Today, we celebrate the 1821 Revolution, true to its spirit and ideals, true to our partners and allies in the United States, in Europe and around the world.
Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the U.S. Evangelos Savva
What a wonderful Congressional salute, well done to Nick Larigkais and his collaborators at the American Hellenic Institute, which has long flown the flag for hellenism in this country, and beyond - the reputation of AHI exceeds the borders of the United States itself, and it's great work is acknowledged everywhere, including in my own country, in Cyprus.
The Greek revolution reminded everybody that people wanted freedom, and people will fight for freedom, and people will die in the quest for freedom, and that’s the spirit of the Greek Revolution. Cypriots themselves fought in the war of Greek independence in mainland Greece until the dream of an independent Greek state came to fruition.
Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)
Thank you all for being here to celebrate Greek Independence Day. I want to thank the American Hellenic Institute for hosting this event and all you do to strengthen the United states’ relationship with Greece and its neighbors.
There could not be a more crucial time to stand with allies like Greece, and stand strong against the authoritarian regimes and those who are enemies of freedom and democracy. The relations between Greece and the United States has never been more vital — and never as string— as it is today.
There could not be a more crucial time to stand with allies like Greece, and stand strong against the authoritarian regimes and those who are enemies of freedom and democracy. The relations between Greece and the United States has never been more vital — and never as strong— as it is today.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
Tell you how proud I am to work with John Sarbanes and Chris Pappas and Dina Titus and this guy here [Nick Larigakis] - you know the relations have never been better.
We will make sure that Greece and Cyprus are protected. We are still working on the issue of Cyprus - we will not rest until the residents of Cyprus, the true residents of Cyprus, have the opportunity to go back to their land in the occupied area.
Zito Ellada!
Zito Amerikí!
Zito Kýpros!
Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD)
When it comes to justice for Cyprus, they will never let us forget why that has to be a priority, and they very skillfully communicated that to Members of Congress over a long period of time. Nick, thanks to you and your team for everything you’ve done. I appreciate it very much.
Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV)
As a member of the Hellenic Caucus and proud Greek-American, happy Greek Independence Day.
The U.S. and Greece have been beacons of democratic values around the world and I look forward to the continued growth of our partnership.
Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY)
As a member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I am proud to wish Greece a happy Independence Day!
Today we celebrate the Greek people’s fight for independence and the powerful bond between Greece and the United States.
The United States and Greece have shared a long and storied relationship, and I am pleased to have seen in only grow stronger in recent years.
Last year, I successfully secured language in the annual National Defense Authorization Act that would fortify the bond between the U.S. and Greece by requiring a report on the security relationship between our two nations, and basing rights of Greek islands.
Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL)
I want to send my best regards to all those attending today’s Congressional Salute to Greek Independence Day hosted by the American Hellenic Institute. Congratulations on 203 years of Greek Independence!
I look forward to continuing to engage with you all in the years ahead on strengthening the critical relationship between Greece and the United States. Since the American Hellenic Institute was created in 1974, your organization has been a valuable advocate for the U.S. - Greek relationship. Congratulations on all your accomplishments. I hope you have a wonderful celebration.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
I extend my warmest regards to all those celebrating Greek Independence Day with the American Hellenic Institute as we toast to 203 years of self - determination for the people of Greece and the enduring friendship between out two nations.
Freedom and democracy have guided the history of Greece and the United States - and the American hellenic Institute leads the way in stewarding these values. The important work you do is essential to protecting the political freedoms and traditions that we are so fortunate to enjoy. It is in that spirit that I would like to thank the AHI family and your partners for hosting today’s celebration, and I wish everyone a very happy Greek Independence Day.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Greece has also made invaluable contributions to the transatlantic Alliance. Most recently, I was grateful to see the Prime Minister travel to Ukraine to meet with president Zelenskyy and express solidarity as Ukraine continues to fight Putin’s unprovoked aggression. As co-Chair of the NATO Observer Group in the Senate, I was particularly proud that the State Department approved the sale of 40 F-35 fighter jets to Greece. I know that enhancing Greece’s air capabilities will ensure that it can continue to provide stability in Europe. Maintaining strong security ties with Greece in the years to come is a priority for the United States.
Since its founding in 1974, AHI has kept Members of Congress appraised of key security concerns, current events and proposed solutions to complex issues. I look forward to continuing to engage with you in the years ahead.
Senator Gary Peters (D-MI)
I want to extend my best wished to all those joining the American Hellenic Institute and the Congressional Hellenic Caucus for today’s event. I’m honored to help commemorate 203 years of Greek independence and the timeless values it represents.
The United States and Greece have enjoyed a deep - rooted bond, forged by our shared belief in freedom and self- governance. Those values are still the heart of our two nations - and a guiding light to those who would imagine a more just society of they own.
So, as we celebrate 203 years of Greek independence, I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen that enduring partnership - and safeguard the democratic principles that have shaped our contours since their founding.
Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)
I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending the American Hellenic Institute’s celebration to commemorate 203 years of Greek independence and the dedication to democracy that the Hellenic Republic and united States share.
The Greek struggle for self- determination was not easy, but democratic ideals promoted by your ancestors and the strength of the modern state shine through the people of the Hellenic Republic.
Your institute has been leading voice in Washington on Greek - American relations since its founding 50 years ago. I commend the American Hellenic Institute for its continued commitment to strengthening the relationship between the United States and some of our closest allies. Thank you doe the work you all do, and best wishes for a wonderful celebration.
The American Hellenic Institute is an independent non-profit Greek American public policy center and think tank that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.
For additional information, please contact us at (202) 785-8430 or pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at http://www.ahiworld.org.
