Cyprus is still not free. Andrew Anthony [8302] sings about it: “I will ever see until my Cyprus live in peace. I will not be denied. I will never be afraid to carry that cross” for those we have lost.

Steve, the parade chairman, said that our homeland is America. Today we praise the Orthodox Church role in preserving our freedom. We celebrate freedom in America and our ability to practice our faith openely.

This commemoration is a tribute to those who are committed to preserving this shared tradition. We are stewards of Hellenism. The declaration of Greek Independence was in 1881.

Mayor Sheila Dixon told us that 29 March is the 188th anniversary of Greek Independence for the City of Baltimore. What is important today is that you carry on this tradition. It is important to be in the land of independence. The parade is an important element of this community. There is a lot more to the parade then a bunch of people walking around saying we are Greek.

You can’t have independence unless you have your freedom taken away from you.

One of the great philosophers and Hellenists of this country is Thomas Jefferson. If you don’t have freedom of the mind, you don’t have freedom. Every place where people are persecuted, we need people to talk to them.AHEPA continues to support this.

George Stakreos reminded us that the Monday before the parade there is a significant event taking place at the State House. The governor issues a proclamation recognizing Greek Independence Day. We send a group of kids there. We put on a special presentation with the Greek school.

Many of the finding fathers of this country read philosophy in the original Greek. Greece and the United States are at the first front of democracy.

Cyprus representative told us that Greece fought for their independence despite the military superiority of the Ottoman Empire in 1821. We are convinced that this struggle will be begun and Cyprus will be free.

The assistant to the Ambadador of Greece [8360] stated that this is an opportunity to revise historical commemoration. In 1821 people began a struggle for freedom against all odds. We are in a midst of a difficult international state of affairs.

Mrs. Christine Sarbanes was not Greek, but she loved the Greek culture. Last Wednesday the President held a reception at the White House and talked about Greek independence.

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