Flipping through 25 years worth of newspapers to prepare this issue brought back so many memories.

Memories of History in the making. Memories associated to the specific periods.

Ahhh…the times I stared at the newspaper on the monitor and when it stared back at me for hours and days on end until it was sent to press… The times that an issue rolled smoothly and the times… well, let’s just say it was more challenging…

What was most interesting was that I remember almost every single front page! I must say I had many ‘AHA’ moments!

And our minds are such that they automatically take us back to re-live what occurred 25 years ago.

I can still remember the adrenalin and the excitement on the day we printed our first issue! We all felt so proud. Everyone in the office was smiling, eagerly awaiting. I remember the smiles and comments once it was read. And even today, sitting to write this congratulatory piece, I can only smile and still continue to feel proud being a part of the TNH team and the process of every issue you hold in your hands to read.

Back in 1997, our team, led by our publisher and editor, Antonis H. Diamataris, had a specific goal: To publish a newspaper that would cater to our English-speaking Greek-American community. The need for such a publication had become very necessary. The times were changing in our community and Mr. Diamataris knew -not only- the needs but the exact timing to put forth this notable venture.

You, as our judges, gave a reason and therefore a future to this mission.

And thanks to everyone, today, together, we all celebrate the success of this important and distinguished publication that has served and will continue serving generations of Greek-Americans.

After 25 years, today the English-speaking Greek-American community and TNH are united as one.

TNH documents the Omogenia’s history and serves as a bridge connecting Greece and Greek America. On the other hand, our readers, our subscribers, and our advertisers trust, support, embrace, and encourage us to continue, to improve and to flow with the ever changing times. You are a constant source of motivation and inspiration, and we thank you.

With your dedication and support towards the newspaper and with our dedication towards you, we can only await many, many more years of success and keeping Hellenism alive outside of Greece’s boundaries. A very sacred task!

With this said… I would like to congratulate The National Herald on 25 years of successful service! And congratulations to all of us: to our readers, to our advertisers, to our staff, and to everyone that supports us, each in his or her own way.

Happy 25th Anniversary!