NEW YORK, NY – GNUSA [Photos: GANP/ Dimitrios Panagos]
A signature commemorative voyage on the Hudson waters, symbolically linking the 1821 Greek Revolution with the 1776 American Revolution, took place on the evening of Friday, April 17, sailing through New York Harbor.
At the initiative of 2026 Parade Chairman Lou Katsos, it was a by‑invitation‑only gathering aboard a vessel departing from Pier 36 and passing by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The event formed part of the Federation’s official program marking 205 years since the Greek War of Independence and the approaching 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Nearly 100 guests, including prominent members of the Greek American community and vivid supporters of the upcoming Greek Independence Day Parade, scheduled for April 26 on Fifth Avenue enjoyed the iconic skyline of New York City under wonder weather. Among those present were also Consul General of Greece Ifigenia Kanara, Consul of Cyprus Kyriakos Pogiatzis, as well as Consul General of Switzerland Niculin Jäger, who greeted the attendees.
“As we sail past the Statue of Liberty, we reflect on the shared principles of freedom, democracy, and civic responsibility that unite our two nations- Hellas and America- across centuries,” said Lou Katsos, who addressed the guests on the significance of the two revolutions.
“Before us stands the enduring symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty, yet tonight, we do not see her alone, because across these waters from the highest elevation in Brooklyn, Battle Hill, stands Athena, her hand outstretched towards Liberty”, Katsos stressed. “There’s an actual statue of Athena that we’re talking about. That ground is sacred. It was there at the Battle of Long Island, the largest battle of the American Revolution that the struggle for independence was first tested in its most uncertain hour. And from that very place where liberty was once fought for, Athena now gazes forward. In that moment, from the Battle Hill to this harbor, from Athena to Liberty, we witness a continuous flurry of ideals. Wisdom, Athena, saluting freedom, the ancient world and the modern world stands in dialogue. This is the essence of bridging revolutions”, he added.
“As we commemorate this extraordinary year, 205 years since the Greek Revolution of 1821 and as we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, alongside the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ioannis Kapodistrias, and the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Messolonghi, we are reminded that these are not just anniversaries, but milestones in the continuing journey of freedom. They remind us that liberty, must be renewed, defended, and lived by every generation,” he said.
“And so tonight, as we sail towards the light of liberty, let us do so with purpose, let us honor those who came before us, let us celebrate the enduring bond between Hellas and America, let us reaffirm the flame of freedom that burns bright”, he stated in closing.
The commemorative voyage was chaired by Paul Pavlakos, president of AHEPA Chapter 25- Delphi- “whose leadership has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life”, as Katsos noted.
