NEW YORK, NY – GNUSA
The Eastern Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA) will host its annual OXI Day Commemoration webinar on Sunday, October 25, at 2 p.m. EDT (8 p.m. Athens).
Moderated by EMBCA President Lou Katsos, the program will feature historians and scholars Dr. Polyvia Parara — Senior Lecturer in Classics, University of Maryland, Alexander Billinis – Author, writer, and Clemson University lecturer, Dr. Nicholas Nikoloudis — Historian, researcher, and host of History Without Blinders, and, Dr. Constantine G. Hatzidimitriou — Author and historian.
The discussion will examine the events surrounding October 28, 1940, when Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected an Italian ultimatum demanding access to strategic locations across Hellas. Italy invaded hours later. What followed was a remarkable Hellenic defense: its forces halted the invasion from occupied Albania and drove the Italians back across the border. The people’s resounding “OXI!”—“NO!” became a lasting declaration of national resolve.
“Our panel will trace the road to war, the victories on the Albanian front, the German invasion and Battle of Crete, and the suffering and resistance that followed under occupation. We will also consider how Hellas’s stand inspired people far beyond its borders and shaped the Hellenic American experience”, noted Lou Katsos.
“As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, OXI Day invites us to reflect on ideals shared by Hellas and America: liberty, self-determination, and the courage to defend them”, he added.
The webinar will provide an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of 1940 and explore why the spirit of OXI still speaks to the world today.
