The Washington Oxi Day Foundation presents the 10th Annual OXI Courage and Service Awards live online on October 28. (Photo: Washington OXI Day Foundation)
WASHINGTON, DC – Early on the morning of October 28th, 1940, the Greek Prime Minister was awoken to respond to a series of demands from a representative of the Axis Powers which would have allowed foreign troops free reign in Greece. His response was simple, yet firm: ‘Oxi’ – No.
On Wednesday, the Washington ‘OXI’ Day Foundation presented the 10th Annual ‘OXI’ Courage and Service Awards live online on the 80th anniversary of ‘OXI’ Day.
The Washington ‘OXI’ Day Foundation, a nonprofit, 501c3 organization, is dedicated to informing American policymakers and the public about the profound role Greece played in bringing about the outcome of World War II and celebrating modern day heroes who exhibit the same courage as the Greeks did in continuing to fight to preserve and promote freedom and democracy around the world. Below is a list of this year’s award winners:
The honorees for The ‘OXI’ Courage (Battle of Crete) Award were the Wuhan Whistleblower Doctors who risked and gave their lives fighting COVID and Chinese suppression. Jim Li accepted the award on behalf of the doctors.
The Washington Oxi Day Foundation presents the 10th Annual OXI Courage and Service Awards live online on October 28. (Photo: Washington OXI Day Foundation)
The ‘OXI’ Courage Award posthumously honored Dr. Joseph Costa, who gave his life fighting COVID. David Hart, Dr. Costa’s husband, as well as Richard and Barbara Costa, Dr. Costa’s parents, accepted the award on behalf of Dr. Costa.
The Metropolitan Chrysostomos Award posthumously honored Congressman John Lewis, the Civil Rights leader and icon. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi spoke about Congressman Lewis, the ‘conscience of the Congress,’ and the effect he had on millions of peace-loving people. She said: “In everything he did throughout his extraordinary life, John worked on the side of the angels, and now he is with them.” The award was accepted by Michael Collins, Congressman Lewis’ former chief of staff.
The Calamos Service Award posthumously honored Greek-American Steve Pisanos, World War II, Korea and Vietnam War Veteran. His son, Jeff Pisanos, accepted the award on behalf of his father and described him as someone who lived without fear.
The Dilboy Service Award posthumously honored Greek-American Andrew Mousalimas, WWII Veteran. The eight Mousalimas grandchildren accepted the award on behalf of their pappou. They said one of the most important pieces of advice their grandfather taught them was to never glorify war.
The Washington Oxi Day Foundation presents the 10th Annual OXI Courage and Service Awards live online on October 28. (Photo: Washington OXI Day Foundation)
The event included special appearances by Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Ioanna Phoca – granddaughter of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas from the spot, 80 years to the day, of the ‘OXI’ heard around the world, and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. Iriana Cholakis, the 2020 Philotimo Scholarship recipient, also spoke at the virtual event and recited portions of her essay on Philotimo that earned her the scholarship.
Presenters included The Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, John Calamos, Jim Chanos, Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, Danialle Karmanos, Nick Logothetis, Andrew Manatos, George Marcus, Dennis Mehiel, Dean Metropoulos, Michael Psaros, and emcee for the event Laura Evans Manatos.
THRU JUNE 30
ONLINE – Health and Religion, a series of online courses organized by the Prolepsis Institute in collaboration with the Hellenic Society of Medical Students of Greece and under the auspices of the Medical School of Athens, began on November 4 and runs until June 30.
FALMOUTH, MA – The police in Falmouth have identified the victim in an accident involving a car plunging into the ocean on February 20, NBC10 Boston reported.
PHILADELPHIA – The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley announced that the Evzones, the Presidential Guard of Greece will be participating in the Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade on March 20.
ATHENS – Antonis H. Diamataris, Advisor to the Publishers of Ethnikos Kirix and The National Herald, appeared on Greek state television, in particular, on ERT1’s show ‘From Six’.
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