The official dinner of the Federation of Greek Associations of Greater New York was held at the Hilton Hotel on the eve of the big parade on 5th Avenue.
A large number of expatriates and distinguished guests were present, while the event was moderated by the Chairman of the Parade Committee and also the President of the Pancyprian Association and of the PACE, Philip Christopher, who spoke about the central message of the parade - the demand for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures and national issues including the Cyprus issue.
The Presidential Guard Evzones participated in the dinner and for the first time in almost two decades the Evzones uniforms were shown, while two Evzones performed the changing of the guard, as is done at the Unknown Soldier Monument in Syntagma Square in Athens.
The dinner was attended and addressed by the US Ambassador to Athens George Tsounis, the Greek Ambassador to Washington, Alexandra Papadopoulou, and federal deputies Grace Meg and Nicole Malliotaki, Chris Pappas, former Federal Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, New York State Senator Michael Yannaris and Secretary General of the Greek Parliament George Mylonakis.
The keynote speaker was Libra Group Executive Chairman George Logothetis and was introduced by Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. John Katsimatidis and Ernie Anastos gave welcoming remarks.
Archbishop Elpidophoros, Archbishop of America, and the chairman and co-chairmen of the Parade Committee presented awards to the master of ceremonies and plaques to the 39 total sponsors of the event.
The singer Giorgos Dalaras, who was also honoured, performed "The Sun of Justice" accompanied by the orchestra and choir of the Kyrenia Opera under the direction of Konstantinos Giannoudis.
More photos from the dazzling event:
