ALBANY, NY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris and New York’s Greek-American state legislators, Andrew Gounardes and James Skoufis introduced a resolution (J.2116) memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2022, as Greek History Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the commemoration of the 201st Anniversary of Greek Independence.
“As the son of Greek immigrants, I hold very close to my heart the Greek-American experience”, said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris adding that “this is a wonderful time to recognize the sacrifices of those who came before us and to celebrate the Greek values that have influenced so much of the world”.
“As a proud fourth-generation Greek-American, I’m honored to celebrate the Greek Independence Day by making March Greek History Month and highlighting the special role that Hellenism plays in the fabric of our state”, noted Senator Andrew Gounardes. “On this 201st anniversary of Greece’s independence, it’s important that we honor our legacy while also looking towards the future and manifesting the important contributions that the Greek community provides to our city. As Greek-Americans, we have an obligation to be active civic participants and to embody the Greek word ‘philoxenia’, meaning love of strangers, that is so ingrained in the Hellenic culture”, he added.
“As a first-generation Greek-American who has benefited from and now works to uphold the ideals of democracy, I couldn’t be more proud of Greece’s enduring legacy within government, medicine, philosophy, science, and more”, said Senator James Skoufis, wishing theentire Greek diaspora a wonderful Independence Day! “When our courageous ancestors took destiny into their own hands two centuries ago, they set the stage for the independent and persevering spirit the diaspora continues to embody today, including the bravery of my own father and grandparents who came to the U.S. to begin anew. I am proud to join my colleagues in co-sponsoring today’s resolution”, he added.
The Greek-American legislators will hold a virtual celebration of Greek heritage on Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 pm.The event will be livestreamed on Senator Gounardes’ Facebook page and will recognize Greek-Americans who have contributed substantially to the New York community. Endy Zemenides, Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), will be the keynote speaker.
Senator Gianaris is the first Greek-American to hold elective office in New York and has been active in promoting stronger relationships between the United States and Greece and, as a first-generation American, improving the experience of new immigrant communities.
You can read the full resolution here J2116 (nysenate.gov)
To view Senator Gianaris’ speech on the resolution click here.
