FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The City of Fort Lauderdale celebrated the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence with a proclamation and the lighting in blue and white of five buildings, Las Olas Parking Garage, AutoNation, The Main Las Olas, New River Center, and the Stiles Corporate Office.

Greek-American Mayor Dean J. Trantalis posted on Facebook about the illumination of the five buildings along with a photo of the Las Olas Parking Garage and the message, “Our very best wishes go out to all Greek-Americans in our city.”

Mayor Trantalis also posted the proclamation recognizing the bicentennial of the Greek Revolution. The text of the proclamation follows:

Greek-American Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean J. Trantalis shared the proclamation in honor of the bicentennial of Greek Independence. Photo: Mayor Dean J. Trantalis / Facebook

Office of the Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale Proclamation

In Recognition of the 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day

WHEREAS, The Founding Fathers of the United States of America based their hopes and ideals of a democracy for the people and by the people from the Hellenic principles of ancient Greece; and

WHEREAS, Nearly half a century after America's founding, the Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of the Greek revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in thePeloponnese on March 25th, 1821; and

WHEREAS, this public act against the Ottoman Empire ignited the war for Greek independence and the fight to return democracy to its global birthplace; and

WHEREAS, for eight years, the serene Mediterranean was engulfed in the flames of war as the Greeks were aided by Great Britain, France, and Russia in their strife for freedom; and

WHEREAS, in 1829, the bloodshed ceased with the Ottoman Empire's defeat, and Greece's autonomy recognized with the Treaty of Adrianople; and

WHEREAS, on this 200th anniversary of Greece's Independence, the City of Fort Lauderdale celebrates the cultural history of its residents of Hellenic descent and remembers the contributions that Greek-Americans make to every aspect of our community’s fabric.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, as City Commissioners of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, do hereby proclaim March 25th, 2021 as:

THE 200th ANNIVERSARY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

in the City of Fort Lauderdale, Dated this, the 16th day of March 2021

Signed: Mayor Dean J. Trantalis