Bloomberg Is 1 Of 4 Grand Marshals For Greek Parade

Preceding the parade, Bloomberg will host a reception at Gracie Mansion on Thursday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m.

The 75th annual Greek Independence Day Parade, sponsored by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, will be held Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m., starting at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street and progressing to Fifth Avenue and 79th Street. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and three distinguished leaders of the Greek American business community will serve as grand marshals. This year's parade commemorates the 185th anniversary of the Greek nation's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire.

"Greek Independence Day is a day of celebration of the contributions that the Greek people have made to our city," Bloomberg said. "From the vibrant streets of Astoria to the Greek-owned businesses and cultural landmarks that dot every corner of our five boroughs, the Greek people have made New York a stronger and greater city. I am proud to serve as grand marshal of this year's parade and to honor the achievements of the largest Greek population in the United States."

Besides Bloomberg, grand marshals also include Andrew A. Athens, president, World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE); John G. Rangos Sr., head of The John G. Rangos Sr. Charitable Foundation, and Paul Stathoulopoulos, president and chief executive officer, Marathon National Bank of New York. The three distinguished and accomplished businessmen are all involved in numerous civic and charitable causes.

Federation of Hellenic Societies 2006 Parade Chairman Dino Rallis noted: "Greece is the birthplace of democratic ideals and its independence from the Ottoman Empire marked a triumph of these cherished ideals over tyranny and oppression. We are proud to preserve those ideals and traditions today." Parade Co-Chairpersons include Greek civic leaders Georgia Kaloidis, Tasos Manessis and Philip Christopher.

At the starting point in front of the Essex House on 59th Street in Manhattan, more than 40 floats and bands, community groups, churches and schools representing Greeks from New York City and the tri-state area will assemble and step off in the line of march. The parade promises to be the largest display of Hellenic heritage celebrations in years.

This year's parade theme honors Greek immigrants who came to America and the success in this country of following generations. The parade is also dedicated to the memory of the late Archbishop Iakovos of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. Honored guests include the Evzones, the elite Greek Presidential Guard, Greek government officials, Catherine Boura, Consul General of Greece in New York, and Martha Mavromatis Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York.

Preceding the parade, Bloomberg will host a reception at Gracie Mansion on Thursday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. in honor of Greek Independence Day, and proclaim April Greek Independence Month in commemoration of the 185th anniversary. A concert with the theme "Spirit of Liberty", featuring a 100-member chorus led by composer and artistic director Panayoti Karoussos, will follow at Long Island City H.S. at 8 p.m.

On Friday, March 31, the Greek and American flags will be raised at noon at Bowling Green, in Lower Manhattan, followed by a diplomatic reception at the neighboring Customs House. On Saturday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m., the grand marshals and parade sponsors will be honored at the Freedom Awards dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan. For complete event listings, visit www.greekparade. org.

The Federation of Hellenic Societies, organizer of the annual Greek Independence Day parade, is a not-forprofit organization comprised of nearly 200 cultural, civic associations, regional and professional organizations. The federation's mission is to preserve and promote Hellenic culture and heritage throughout the five boroughs of New York.

After 400 years of rule by the Ottoman Empire, Greece declared its independence on March 25, 1821. The parade is held on the Sunday closest to March 25 as a dual celebration integrally connected with the Christian Feast of the Annunciation. The annual commemoration brings together thousands of Greek American civic, religious and political organizations, representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church and American and Greek government officials to march along Fifth Avenue.