AHEPA Observes Oxi Day
FDR's Words About Greece's Defiance Remembered
WASHINGTON - Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis issued the
following statement on the 73rd anniversary of "Oxi Day" when Greece
issued a defiant "No" to the evils of fascism presented by the Axis
powers, and instead, said "Yes" to freedom on October 28, 1940. The
Greeks successfully fought back against the Italian army, pushing the
invaders back into Albania after one week. It would prove to be a costly
military campaign for the Axis power.
"On this day, 73 years ago the citizens of Greece took a courageous
stand against tyranny and fascism and fought tooth and nail to defend
their autonomy.
"This gutsy, noble defense by the Greeks of their beloved homeland, not
just against the Italians but also the Germans, was noted by President
Franklin D. Roosevelt, a member of AHEPA, who told the AHEPA Supreme
Lodge in a meeting on April 25, 1941: 'The heroic struggle of the Greek
people to defend their liberties and their homes against the aggression
of Germany after they had so signally defeated the Italian attempt at
invasion has stirred the hearts and aroused the sympathy of the whole
American people.'
"Today, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, of
which many of its members fought heroically behind enemy lines in Greece
during World War II, commemorates the 73rd anniversary of 'Oxi' Day,
observing it as a day to celebrate freedom, justice, liberty, and the
passion of the Hellenic spirit.
"Please take a moment to pause and reflect on this remarkable moment in our Hellenic history."
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