Hydra Honors U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle and Philhellenes of 1821
Newsroom
The island of Hydra welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, in an official ceremony held on Saturday at the island's historic City Hall, marking the importance of the ties between Greece and the United States.
During the visit, the Mayor of Hydra presented Ambassador Guilfoyle with the Municipality's Medal. This honor was bestowed not only upon the Ambassador herself but also in memory of two prominent American Philhellenes: William Washington and George Jarvis.
Historic Bridges of Friendship: Washington and Jarvis
The award highlighted the significant contribution of the two Americans to the Revolutionary Action of the Hydriots during the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
William Washington: An American officer who, according to historical accounts, actively participated in the struggle, offering his services to the revolutionary Greek fleet. His presence reinforces the role of foreign volunteers who fought for Greece's freedom.
George Jarvis: Likely the first American to arrive in Greece to join the Revolution. He played a significant role as a soldier and commander, serving in various regions of Greece.
As mentioned by George Koukoudakis, this recognition serves as a reminder of the shared ideals of freedom and democracy that unite the two nations since the time of the Greek Revolution. The action by the Municipality of Hydra emphasizes Greece's deep gratitude to the Philhellenes who contributed to the establishment of the modern Greek state.
Ambassador Guilfoyle, who was sworn in as the 25th U.S. Ambassador to Greece (and the first woman in the role) on September 29, 2025, and presented her credentials to the President of the Hellenic Republic on November 4, 2025, accepted the medal and expressed her honor for the recognition of her Philhellene compatriots. The visit to Hydra, an island central to the Revolution, marks the beginning of her engagement with local authorities and historic communities across the country.
