It seems like just yesterday that my father started discussing the possibility of starting an English edition of the newspaper. I remember sitting at the dinner table when after much thought and consideration, he decided it was the right thing to do. It was a risk – financially, strategically, and technically – however, he nevertheless believed it was the prudent next step for the future of the newspaper and, more importantly, the Community. The test of time – 25 years to be exact – has proved that he was correct.

It has not been an easy road; however, the immigrant mentality has always been based on perspective and perseverance: a particular attitude towards a goal and persistence in fighting to attain it despite facing difficulties or delays in achieving success.

This way of thinking has been passed down to our generation – and as a new mom, as of about 6 weeks ago, it takes on a whole new meaning as well.

The example set by my father has always been that it is an honor – more a privilege – to serve our community: speaking to its members, listening to their stories, and providing them with a vehicle to chronicle their experiences, struggles, and triumphs for future generations to admire and learn from.

“How can we know where we’re going without knowing where we come from?” he would ask. Of course I understood this in concept, but the arrival of my daughter, Sofia, has shifted my perspective.

I have always recognized the importance of the newspaper in theory: formally, as the daughter of the editor/publisher and eventually as the co-editor/publisher myself, but now also informally, as the mother of a second generation Greek-American. It is true what they say: what you see depends not only on what you look at, but also where you look from.

The example set by our predecessors and ancestors is invaluable. The struggles of Greek-Americans – while not as outwardly apparent as with the first immigrants – are still present. We are a small (but dynamic) community that needs the experience and guidance of its seasoned members in order to not only survive, but thrive as well. What we can do as individuals is great, but it is dwarfed by what we can do collectively.

In the newspaper’s case, despite the hardships we have encountered and endured over the last quarter century, and particularly over the past three years – from COVID-19 to delays in the supply chain to other financial obstacles as a result of price increases in paper/ink/labor/etc. – we remain steadfast as we pursue our lofty mission of chronicling our community’s stories in our pages and archives – with the support of all of you.

As I enter this new phase of life, the newspaper also enters a new era with new life and a bright future. We cannot thank our readers enough for their continued support and belief in our pursuits – as well as our colleagues for their loyalty, their incredible work, and their persistence to sustain The National Herald with journalistic integrity and passion.

Finally, on a more personal note, thank you from the bottom of my heart to ‘Pappou’ Antonis, his newest title, who had the foresight to pursue this difficult endeavor and instill in us his work ethic and love in all that he does. Thank you for having the same drive today as you did 25 years ago – you are truly one-of-a-kind – and we are incredibly fortunate to learn from you every day inside the office and out. None of this would be possible without you – thank you for setting the bar so high.

Cheers to our next 25 years – and far beyond – for Sofia and the next generations to come.