CHICAGO – Hundreds of Greek-Americans in Chicago participated in the annual Independence Parade in Greektown on April 18, organized by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Illinois: Enosis.

Students from the local Greek Schools dressed in traditional Greek costumes and holding Greek flags proclaimed Long Live Greece and God Bless America.

The parade’s highlight this year was the Evzones of the prestigious Presidential guard of Greece, who evoked a spirit of enthusiasm and pride. The hundreds of spectators applauded the Evzones and expressed gratitude for their presence.

Greece was represented by the Undersecretary Terence Quick.

Joining Quick among the dignitaries in attendance at the preparade gala the night before were Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, Consul General of Greece Polyxeni Petropoulou.

In his speech, Quick made reference to the ongoing negotiations between Greece and the lenders and predicted that they will conclude before Easter. He also spoke about the refugee problem, deeming it a “manageable process.”

On Parade Day, a Doxology was offered for the Liberation of Greece at Chicago’s Annunciation Cathedral officiated by Iakovos. Petropoulou and Quick were also present, along with the members of the Presidential Guard.

“It was spectacularly scenic in Chicago,” Quick said. “Despite the thousands of Greek-Americans who took part in parade, there was order and exemplary behavior.

Greek-American societies have asked me to convey their thanks and appreciation to the Hellenic Republic President Prokopis Pavlopoulos for sending the Presidential Guard to Chicago’s parade. All their expenses were covered by the societies,” he added.