The celebration marked 189 years since Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire and 2,500 years since the epic Battle of Marathon that kept intact the basis of Western culture as we know it.

This year’s stellar Grand Marshalls included New York City’s most esteemed news anchor and most recognized Greek American, FOX network TV-My9’s Ernie Anastos. Philip Christopher was the first Greek Cypriot ever selected as a Grand Marshall of the parade and is the leading spokesperson regarding Cyprus. The final individual Grand Marshall was Colonel Matthew Bogdanos, who is an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan (since 1988), author (Thieves of Baghdad), and a colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. In 2003, while on active duty in Marine Corps, he led the investigation into the looting of Iraq's National Museum, and was subsequently awarded the National Humanities Medal for his efforts.

The group selected as Grand Marshall was the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, who celebrate their 100th year in existence.

Co-chairs of the parade this year were the Presidents of the two prominent Greek American professional organizations in New York: George Tsioulias, M.D., of the Hellenic Medical Society and Mamie Stathatos-Fulgieri, Esq. of the Hellenic Lawyers Association.

The Parade attracted a vast number of New York marchers and participants. It was the culmination of a month long celebration of Greek heritage, hosted and organized by the Federation of Hellenic Society of Greater New York.

New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg did not make this year, but he sent Deputy Mayor Haeda Mihaltses, herself a Greek-American, to represent him.