DOVER, NH – Dozens from the Dover Greek Community, members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dover, and local elected officials gathered at Dover City Hall for a flag raising ceremony celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Greek Independence Day.  

“Two hundred years ago today our ancestors stood up in the name of liberty and freedom and declared their independence from a foreign empire. Today, we celebrate the sacrifice and that spirit of self determination and promise of democracy that first took shape in Greece over 2,000 years ago,” said Abby Sykas Karoutas, President of the Parish Council of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Dover.

On March 25th 1821, Greece declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire which ruled over Greece for over four hundred years. This flag raising has been a longstanding tradition shared between the city of Dover and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

“Today, we recognize that we stand on the shoulders of Titans. From Ancient Greece to modern times, Greeks have contributed much to our worlds’ civilization including science, the arts, and baklava!” said George Georgakilas, member of the Dover Greek community.

Mayor Bob Carrier, State Senator David Watters, and several City Councilors, State Legislators and county officials were also on hand for the ceremony where proclamations were read from Governor Chris Sununu and the New Hampshire State Senate and State House.