The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of the celebration of 200 times from Greek revolution invited partners around the world to participate in the anniversary by illuminating iconic buildings with our blue and white flag. In fact, the rationale was that this anniversary marks the first liberation movement for national independence and it does not concern only the Greek people.
Therefore, there were countries that responded warmly and others that chose to offer the least possible. Some refused discreetly and some "showed a door" to her appeal Athens, adopting, in fact, a crude language that was far from thesis.
The countries that agreed to be enlightened about the Revolution of 1821:
- Poland
- Canada
- Australia
- San Francisco
- Boston
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Η Italy
- Finland
- Romania
More specifically, the Poland agreed to illuminate an emblematic building in Warsaw. The Greek ambassador there, Michael Efstratios Daratzikis, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that "I submitted an idea for lighting a load of History and symbolism of the Presidential Palace (facade)". He goes on to inform, in fact, that an official of the presidency, asked to learn a central slogan, the message of the Greek Revolution. THE ambassador suggested the slogan "for our and your freedom". This was said by the Polish doctor Alexander Kuzanski who came to Greece and took part in Revolution of 1821.THE Canada, hurried to honor Greece and the Greek community living there. The blue and white flag is waving in Vancouver City Hall. The City Hall has raised not one, not two, but 56 flags for the historic anniversary. Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, this year the expatriates will gather with their cars in the church of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Dimitrios. This is where this original parade will begin.
Η Australia is another country that belongs to the ardent supporters of Greece. The famous Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with the colors of the Greek flag to honor the anniversary in this way. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister of the State of New South Wales. Both the expatriate Senator Sophie Kotsi and the Greek community contributed decisively to this decision. USA a campaign is also taking place. The San Francisco and Boston is one of the participating cities. The City Hall of San Francisco will be illuminated with the colors of the Greek flag from March 19 to 25, while the flag will be raised. The consulate there and the United Hellenic American Societies in California joined forces. Its president Tassos Zografos stated that "Greeks and philhellenes from all over the world continue to stand united in favor of freedom and democracy." Other public buildings are also expected to be illuminated. Under the auspices of the Greek Embassy in Washington, the educational organization College Year in Athens and the Consulate General of Greece in Boston co-organized an online event, entitled "Greece of 1821 and America - Message of Freedom". An eminent historian analyzed the sources and manifestations of the American philhellenic movement.
In Belgium, the Manneken Pis will be "dressed" by Evzonas. The famous statue of Brussels will be transformed into a special ceremony that will take place in the presence of the Greek ambassador there, Dionysios Kalambrezos. Ireland will also respond to the Greek request. The relations between the two countries are very good and a few days earlier, the Panathinaiko Stadium was illuminated in green, thus participating in the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Last year, Hadrian's Gate was dressed in green. In Romania Ambassador Grammata visited the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, where the Department of Modern Greek Studies operates. The University building will be illuminated with the Greek flag during its national holiday Greece.
Countries that have discreetly refused:
- Spain
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Netherlands
via