By John Nola
Every year on March 25, people from all around the world celebrate the Greek’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. There are even many celebrations around the United States, including parades and a raising of the Greek flag at government buildings, as well as other cultural events commemorating Greece’s independence.
I recently conducted a three question survey about Greek history on a class of fifteen BCC students, and received some varied answers. Eight out of fifteen students had some knowledge about Greek History. Eleven out of fifteen had knowledge of Greek culture, including food, ancient gods, mythology, dance, and the infamous motion picture My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Eight out of fifteen knew when Greece was liberated and who they were liberated from.
After being under Ottoman rule for approximately 400 years the Greek war for independence officially began on March 25, 182. Led by many historic Grecians, they revolted against the Ottoman empire. The Greek people began gaining independence in 183, though it was not until 1923 that all areas would be free of the Ottoman occupation.
I’ve been fortunate to celebrate this historic day by marching in parades in New York City and Philadelphia. I also attend an annual commemoration for Greek independence, hosted by the Hellenic Civic Club of Fort Lee, New Jersey. Founded in 1972, it has since served as a robust community organization that is well known in the Fort Lee area. Their mission is to promote Greek culture and the Greek People’s achievements in science and the arts. I interviewed the vice president of the organization, Maria Mandalakis, who stated the following:
“I’m proudly on the board of the Hellenic civic club because it is important to recognize the oppression of my Greek ancestors and the sacrifices made by my Greek born grandparents when they immigrated to the United States. Through this organization, I’ve been able to pass on the culture and history of Greece to my children. Under the Ottoman empire, the Ottoman Turks tried to eliminate the Greek language, the Greek Orthodox religion, economic independence and the greatness of Greek culture. It truly was an attempted genocide where is some areas, land and homes were confiscated, Greeks were deported and/or executed. It is important to me that my children know that much was endured for them to be here today.”
The event attracted over 300 people, including clergy, youth groups from local Greek orthodox churches, politicians, and members and friends of the Greek community. The politicians in attendance were Fort Lee mayor Mark Sokolich, as well as members of Congress, local dignitaries, members of the Fort Lee Board of Education, and the Fort Lee Police Department. Leaders from the tri-state Greek community including Cathy Blue (President of the Fort Lee Hellenic Civic Club), and former New Jersey Government officials were also present. Attendees enjoyed the great food, as well as entertainment from the youth of local Greek churches. Entertainment included youth groups from Tenafly’s Cathedral of St. John as well as Fairview’s Ascension Greek Orthodox Church, and featured traditional dances, Greek poetry, and the national anthem of Greece.