In a particularly warm and nationally charged climate, the annual formal dinner of the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England, at the Venezia restaurant, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in the presence of the President of the Athens Medical Association Dr. G. Patoulis, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the established Boston parade.
The event began with the playing of the national anthems of Greece and America as well as a prayer by the First Elder Romanos Karanos, priestly leader of the community of the Annunciation of the Theotokos of Brockton, who represented His Eminence Metropolitan of Boston, Mr. Methodius, conveying his wishes and blessing.
Greetings were addressed by Consul General of Greece in Boston, K. S. Tegos, The President of the Athens Medical Association Dr. Georgios Patoulis, who was in Boston as part of the parade, as well as the President of the Federation of Greek American Societies of New England, Mrs. Eleni Vidali.
In his speech, the President of ISA Dr. G. Patoulis After thanking the president of the Federation of Hellenic American Associations, Ms. Eleni Vidali, for the invitation and congratulating her on the great work she is doing in Boston, he emphasized: "The Greek diaspora constitutes a strong pillar of unity and progress for Hellenism in every corner of the earth. Today, more than ever, we have a duty to bridge the efforts of Greeks around the world, to join forces, knowledge and experiences, with the aim of promoting our common identity, strengthening our homeland and preserving the values that unite us. Together we can create a strong network of cooperation and solidarity for future generations."
The presence of Dimitris Kyriakides, son of the legendary Greek marathon runner Stylianos Kyriakides, who achieved the historic victory in the Boston Marathon in 1946, was particularly moving, becoming a timeless symbol of strength, faith and dedication.
During the event, they were honored for their contribution and work by the president of the Federation of Greek American Associations of New England, Ms. Eleni Vidali, The D. Palaeologus, director of the Center for Policy Research at Suffolk University in Boston, the K. Sideridis, president and executive director of Ferro–Ceramic Grinding, as well as the President of ISA Dr. G. Patoulis, for his long-standing contribution to the health sector and his initiatives to support and strengthen the Greek diaspora.
A special tone to the event was given by the presence of the section of expatriate Evzones, who presented traditional dances from various regions of Greece, highlighting the richness and vitality of Greek cultural heritage.
The event confirmed, once again, the strong and timeless bond of the Greek Diaspora with Greece, as well as its steadfast commitment to preserving, promoting and transmitting national and cultural values to future generations.
