In an anniversary atmosphere and with a symbolic passage by boat in front of the Statue of Liberty, representatives of the expatriate community, diplomatic organizations and guests participated in a special event in New York Harbor, dedicated to the historical ties between the Greek and American revolutions, as part of the celebrations for the 205th anniversary of 1821 and in view of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The event, titled “Bridging Revolutions: Greece and America – An Emblematic Anniversary Journey,” was initiated by the Federation of Greek Associations of Greater New York and this year’s Greek Parade Chairman, Lou Katsos, and is part of the official program of celebrations.

The central message of the event was the phrase “Two revolutions. A timeless legacy of freedom”. Katsos described the evening as a moment when attendees “are not just gathered on the waters of New York Harbor, but we are in the midst of history,” noting that before them rises “the enduring symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty.”

In his speech, he symbolically linked the Statue of Liberty to the Statue of Athena located in Brooklyn’s Battle Hill, noting that “from Battle Hill to this harbor… wisdom, Athena, salutes freedom” and “the ancient and modern worlds converse, dialogue.”

He also stressed that through “lectures, cultural programs and community events” in recent months, “the deep connection between the Greek and American revolutions” has been highlighted, adding that all of these actions are “a prelude to next week, when Fifth Avenue will become a blue and white river.”

The Consul General of Greece in New York, Ambassador Iph. Kanara described the experience as “absolutely unique”. Walking past the Statue of Liberty, she said that “we cannot help but reflect” that it is a “symbol of hope and opportunity” and “the common bonds that unite our two nations, common ideals that inspired American independence and the Greek struggle for independence.”

At the same time, he noted that this year’s events had a “special educational component” with lectures and public events that helped “not only to honor history but also to better understand these common bonds and their relevance today.”

For his part, the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York, Kyriakos Poyatzis, expressed pride in Cyprus’ participation in the celebrations of the 205th anniversary of the Greek Revolution, recalling that a special lecture on “Cyprus’ contribution to the Greek struggle for independence” had preceded the event.

As he said, addressing the expatriates, “the strength of our countries and our communities is you, the people, who despite the distance of geography and the difference in time continue to share the great ideals of our nation and our language, one of the oldest languages in the world.”

The event concluded in a festive atmosphere, while the organizers issued a call for mass participation in the Greek parade in New York on April 26, 2026, projecting the message that the values of freedom, democracy and historical continuity continue to connect Greece, Cyprus and the American expatriate community.

The event was concluded in a festive atmosphere, while the organizers issued a call for mass participation in the Greek parade in New York on April 26, 2026, projecting the message that the values of freedom, democracy and historical continuity continue to connect Greece, Cyprus and the American expatriate community.

The event was also attended by the Consul of Switzerland in New York, Nikulin Yeager.

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