AHI Leadership Participates in Greek Independence Day Celebrations at the White House and Florida
AHI/AHIF Leadership (left to right): Peter Karounos; Vasilios Kyriazis; Maria Wills; Demitrios Halakos; Nick Larigakis; James H. Lagos; John Alahouzos; John Vasiliou, at the celebration of Greek Independence Day at the White House
No. 25
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) participated in Greek Independence Day celebrations at the White House on March 26 and in Tarpon Springs, Fla., on March 29, 2026.
AHI President Nick Larigakis attended the White House Greek Independence Day celebration accompanied by AHI and AHI Foundation leadership, including: AHI Board Chairman James H. Lagos, Esq., Secretary Kostas Alexakis, Esq., and Board Members Ted Argeroplos, Demitrios Halakos, Peter Karounos, Yanni Sianis, John Vasiliou, and Maria Wills, AHI Foundation Treasurer John Alahouzos, and AHI Athens Chapter President Vasilios Kyriazis. They joined Administration officials, Greek American leaders, and members of the diplomatic community in commemorating Greece’s independence and the enduring ties between the United States and Greece.
Remarks delivered during the White House event by Donald Trump and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros can be viewed here: President Trump Delivers Remarks at the Greek Independence Day Celebration – The White House.
Celebrations in Tarpon Springs
On March 29, President Larigakis represented AHI at the Greek Independence Day Parade in Tarpon Springs, one of the largest such celebrations in the United States, where he joined elected officials, dignitaries, and community leaders in honoring Greek heritage and culture.
From left to right: AHI President Nick Larigakis; Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Ioannis Loverdos; U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
While in Tarpon Springs, Larigakis shared the stage with Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Ioannis Loverdos, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and His Eminence Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta. He also addressed the large crowd gathered for the parade, commending organizers and participants for their dedication to preserving and celebrating Hellenic traditions.
Larigakis addressed the crowd, praising efforts to preserve Hellenic traditions
“Greek Independence Day celebrations across the country reflect the strength and pride of the Greek American community,” Larigakis said. “From the White House to Tarpon Springs, it is inspiring to see our heritage celebrated at the highest levels and in communities where Hellenism continues to thrive. We appreciated the opportunity to attend and participate in these events, and we look forward to participating in additional ceremonies in April.”
