The globe turns Greek for a day

Today, March the 25th, 2021 is a very important anniversary for the Greek people. It is the day that marks two centuries since the Greeks rebelled against the Turks, after almost 400 years of being subjects of the Ottoman Empire. The Greeks celebrate the great Greek Revolution, a landmark in Greek History that allowed them to build an independent state from scratch and regain their freedom, and a sense of identity, with the motto "Freedom or Death" ( Eleftheria i Thánatos in Greek). Now, two hundred years after that significant development, and amidst an ongoing global pandemic, it is a good moment to reflect on what we have accomplished since then, and remember who we truly are.

The Greek state has set up an organizing committee, Greece2021, not only to prepare a calendar of notable events of celebration throughout the year but also to raise awareness concerning what the Greek people have achieved since the revolution, and what they are eager to achieve yet. Due to the coronavirus health protocols, many of these events have either been canceled or are being organized on a smaller scale, and without a live audience. An impressive military parade will be held today in the center of Athens for important foreign dignitaries, such as Prince Charles of Wales, Russia's PM, Mikhail Mishustin, the president of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, and the French Minister of Defence, Florence Parly, among others. Moreover, the guests will enjoy a guided tour of the new Athens National Gallery, as well as a formal dinner.

Throughout the year, there will be events in many Greek cities, provided that the pandemic will slowly cease to be a threat, but there will also be global events, wherever there is a strong Greek presence with a living Greek community. There will be major events to commemorate the bicentennial of Greek Independence in Canada, in the U.S., in Australia, and of course, in many European countries. For instance, the Greek community of Vancouver is organizing today celebrations on Vancouver Island, 56 flag stations will be raising the Greek flag, and there will be car parades in many locations across the city. Also, the Sydney Opera House will be lit today with the Greek colors, projecting on both its sides the Greek flag.

The Greeks in Greece and all over the world are celebrating 200 years from their War of Independence, honoring the heroes who sacrificed themselves for the freedom of all Greek people, but they also celebrate two centuries of modern history and an ongoing struggle for democracy. Since March 25, 1821, many changes have taken place in the country that gave birth to democracy, and this day is a day of celebration, reflection and aspiration to a brighter future. We ask you to join us in this bicentennial celebration of great values and ideas. We ask you all to be Greeks for a day, and shout together: "Eleftheria i Thánatos".

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