In 1776, Americans declared their independence from the British Empire. Forty-five years later, Greeks launched their own war of independence against the Ottoman Empire.
This year, Americans are celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary while Greeks, whose civilization stretches back millennia, are honoring the 205th year since their grueling battle for freedom began in 1821.
One place where the two events come together is St. Demetrios School in Astoria, which was honored for its excellence in education on Sunday by the Federation of Hellenic Societies, organizers of the 2026 Greek Parade in Manhattan, set for April 26.
The federation gave a plaque to the school at a cultural event honoring the independence of both the United States and Greece, held at the Stathakion Center on 29th Street. Presenting the award were parade Chairperson Lou Katsos and Educational/Cultural Committee Chairperson Nomiki Kastanas; accepting for the school was Assistant Principal Helen Karagiorgos, joined by faculty, staff and students. Hellenic radio station Cosmos FM helped organize the event.
Among the many students on hand was Stella Galanis, who, along with fellow eighth-grader Alexia Theodoropoulos, was recognized for producing a well-written and well-researched essay on the symbolism of the anniversaries and how the celebrations hold special meaning for her as a Greek American.
The event featured talks from professors of Hellenic and American history, a multimedia presentation and traditional Greek music. The academics spoke to the similarities of the U.S and Greek independence movements and the role played in the latter by American philhellenes, i.e., lovers of Greece and its culture who supported the revolution there.