PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley announced its 2023 Greek Independence Celebrations, including the Flag Raising Ceremony at Philadelphia’s City Hall on Friday,  March 31, 2 PM, kicking off the weekend of events.

The City of Philadelphia will present the Proclamation to commemorate the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence. The elite military unit of Greece, the Evzones (the Presidential Guard), whose duties include guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Mansion, will be present. Their unique marching cadence and uniforms will bring a powerful display to the ceremony and during the Parade on the historic Parkway. The grandeur of the Evzones commands a great sense of pride for Greeks and guests.

The Federation also announced the 2023 Eleftheria Medal Recipient, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the United States of America Alexandra Papadopoulou. The Eleftheria Medal will be presented to her on Saturday, April 1, at the Eleftheria Medal and Dignitaries Dinner beginning at 5 PM at the Adelphia, 1750 Clements Bridge Road in Deptford, NJ.

The 2023 Grand Marshal of the Greek Independence Parade is Ambassador of the United States to the Hellenic Republic George J. Tsunis.

The Federation will honor the 202nd Anniversary of Greek Independence with its Annual Greek Independence Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Sunday, April 2. Formation will start at 1 PM at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the official start of the parade will be 2 PM. It will end at the reviewing stand at 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Participants for this historic event include local, national, and international organizations, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, representatives from the Republic of Hellas (Greece) and the Republic of Cyprus government and military, national, statewide, and local governments, folk dance troupes, local Greek Orthodox churches, cultural and educational organizations.

Following the parade procession that will conclude at 18th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a Post Parade reception with free admission will be held at the Sheraton Liberty Ballroom, 201 N. 17th Street in Philadelphia, where local traditional Greek folk dance groups will perform, music and light fare will be provided. This event will officially close the parade commemorating the historic day.

More information is available online including the detailed program of events and the form for those organizations interested in participating: https://hellenicfed.org.

The completed form is due by Wednesday, March 15.