After the involvement of the Egyptians and the Turks by the Ottoman Empire in 1825 and 1826 respectively, the revolution looked all but lost. On March 25th, 1821, Greek patriots rose up and fought to liberate their country, restore their sovereignty, and reclaim their destiny. (Applause.) It mentions that "renowned Germanos" (celebre Germanos) proclaimed the Revolution on 17 March 1821 in Agia Lavra, and that the revolution spread throughout the Peloponnese on 25 March, which he considers the day of the start of a new era for Greece. (Applause.) And one more thing: The community and they know it, the people who have been deeply involved have been with me in good times and very bad times. And this afternoon, we honor the deep history of the united our nations, were and honor the lives that were cut short last month as well. And we saw this during World War Two when Greece and the United Greek and the United States both fought the forces of fascism. Omissions? Next Post: A Proclamation on National Equal Pay Day, 2021. It also symbolizes a new religious leaf with the Feast of Annunciation. [29][30], In 1839, Amvrosios Frantzis mentions that 25 March was a day "clear and embedded in the heart of Peloponnesians as the starting day of the Greek revolution". [25][28] The Metropolitan Church of Athens was built on 15 December 1842 and was dedicated to the Annunciation in order to honour 25 March 1821. (Musical performance by Rita Wilson begins.) I think that is the first time in the White House. Many places in the Peloponnese, such as Areopolis in Mani, Kalamata and the Agia Lavra monastery have all been suggested as the exact spot where the Greek War began. "", 1 . We asked for their thoughts on Greek Independence Day. This is when Greeks remember their long struggle against the Ottoman Empire, an effort that eventually leads to Greece's independence. In 1932 the schools of Athens paraded in front of officials in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier together with the scouts, the "city guard" and the "nationalist organisations". This museum is home to a lot of historical artifacts that are significant to the people of Greece. Typical celebrations include fireworks, parades, and parties. Am I? A Playmobil representation of the Greek Revolution! More broadly, the holiday acknowledges the successful Greek War of Independence (18211829) was fought to liberate and decolonize Greece from four centuries of Ottoman occupation. However, the major celebrations center around the independence of the Greek people, after being colonized by the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. [7], In 1822, the provisional government headed in Corinth decided to celebrate the anniversary of the Revolution the same day as Easter (2 April, Julian Calendar). Thanks for being here. This holiday is Greece's National Day and is always celebrated on March 25th. I also want to welcome the Ambassador of Greece and Cyprus, and our own Ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis. Celebrate Ochi Day in Greece Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the history and values that unite the United States of America and the Hellenic Republic. ", }, { Further negotiations in 1832 led to the London Conference of 1832 and the Treaty of Constantinople (1832); these defined the final borders of the new state and recognized the king. On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the history and values that unite the United States of America and the Hellenic Republic. Dover church celebrates Greek Independence Day with flag raising The deep political and historical bonds that unite Greece and the United States are further reinforced by strong ties of family and affection and by the estimated 3 million Americans of Greek descent across our Nation. noun. "acceptedAnswer": { I mean, I think its its an athletic feat. Is that what happened? It means a great deal. 157, 158. This date marks the moment when the Greek peoples successful revolution against the Ottoman Empire began. I really mean it. The holiday was established in 1838 with a Royal Decree by King Otto's government. On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the history and values that unite the United States of America and the Hellenic Republic. (Laughter.) Youve always been there for me. 161. And if youll excuse the point of personal privilege, as we used to say in Senate, its great to be here with friends like Father Alex. Because of the overwhelming support from the Greek American community.