Vallone hosts City Council celebration honoring distinguished Greeks

Peter F. Vallone Jr. hosted recently the City Council’s celebration of the 187th anniversary of Greek Independence, commemorating the contributions of Greek culture to America and recognizing several Greek New Yorkers for their achievements.

Hundreds of people were on hand to enjoy the event, which included performances of classical Greek dances and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

“American was built on the Greek ideals of freedom, democracy and liberty. I continue to live by those ideals and carry them out every day through my work at City Hall,” Vallone said. “The Greek American community is a vibrant and vital part of what makes New York City the greatest City in the world.”

The ceremony took place at Emigrants Savings Bank, located across from City Hall, a renovated bank building used as an event space by the Council. Celebrants from the Greek-American community joined New York City Council Members and other elected officials in honoring the beginning of the revolution on March 25, 1821, that led to the creation of the modern Greek state.

City Council Proclamations were presented to several deserving individuals and organizations, including Ernie Anastos, Fox 5 News Anchor, The Hellenic Medical Society of New York, The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (USA), Peter Papanicolaou, President of the Cyprus Federation of America. Anastos, an Emmy award-winning journalist, gave the keynote address, speaking at length about his experiences as a Greek American.

The evening also included performances by The Archdiocesan Metropolitan Youth Choir and The William Spyropouls Greek American Day School Dance Group.

Following the reception, guests enjoyed a banquet of classic Greek dishes, such as souvlaki and pita.

“Greek have a wonderful heritage, and it’s always a pleasure to enjoy every part of it, especially the wonderful food,” Vallone said.