Local Greek community raises flag outside of City Hall
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Members of the local Greek American community marked Greek Independence Day today with a flag raising outside of Binghamton City Hall.
More than a dozen people from Binghamton's Panhellenic Council joined Mayor Kraham who issued a proclamation recognizing the day.
Tuesday marks the 204th anniversary of what Greeks consider to be the start of their revolution for independence from Turkey. It finally achieved independence in 1830.
Peter Stefos is Vice President of a Greek fraternal organization called AHEPA. Stefos says the country's Greek Orthodox faith is closely intertwined with its fight for freedom.
'To the Greeks, justice meant fighting against oppression under Ottoman rule. It meant fighting for the future of their people and their country. And most importantly, their faith. For with both inspiration and struggle, faith, freedom and justice, the Greeks showed to be victorious,' said Stefos.
Many of those in attendance are also organizers and volunteers for the annual Grecian Festival held each year at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Vestal. This year's festival will take place from May 29 through June 1.
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