US Ambassador welcomes hundreds to thrilling 4th of July reception in Athens
The 4th of July celebration at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Athens came a bit early – and so did many guests, who also stayed late for what veterans of the annual affair said was “the best Independence Day party ever.”
U.S. Ambassador George J. Tsunis welcomed the guests and offered passionate and inspiring words about the power and value of democracy and its roots in Greece, the mutual inspiration of the American and Greek revolutions of 1776 and 1821, and what is at stake in the war in Ukraine, words echoed by guest speaker Andreas Dracopoulos, Co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
A unique and moving part of the event was the exceptional ‘Freedom Wine’ that was served. Tsunis explained it was made from grapes from Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, apropos of the presence of “my great friend, Ambassador Sergii Shutenko of Ukraine. Tsunis spoke passionately of the need to continue to support Ukraine’s struggle to be a country “that is free, whole, and unequivocally Ukrainian!”
The guests, happily hobnobbing with old and new friends on the lawn and around the residence and the pool delighted in the Greek and American music – soprano Anastasia Zannis was the featured performer – the refreshments, and the 4th of July BBQ food provided by the Hard Rock Café Athens. Hard Rock International is about to break ground on its $ 1 billion Integrated Resort Complex on the Athenian Riviera.
Among the attendees, graciously hosted by Ambassador Tsunis and his wife Olga along with friendly Embassy staffers, were Greek and U.S. military and other officials. Also present were National Herald Publisher-Editor Eraklis Diamataris and Advisor to the Publishers Antonis Diamataris and his wife Litsa.
After the national anthems were sung, Dracopoulos began his speech by noting the complicated times and affirming that “the need for everyone to appreciate the values of Democracy is imperative.” He urged his listeners “to not take it for granted… and to strengthen it. Citing the pioneering role of Ancient Greece, he quoted President Joe Biden: ”The United States and the World owe a debt to the ancient Greek ideas… that we the people – the Demos – are a Democracy, and control their own destiny. You made us believe in an idea that has endured or millennia, but it’s also an idea that every generation has to fight to uphold.”
Dacropoulos concluded by saying, “Thank you, Ambassador Tsunis. Dear George, please accept my best wishes for continuing to serve with the same enthusiasm and [passion] as U.S. Ambassador to your ancestors’ homeland. Happy Fourth!”
Immediately fulfilling Dracopoulos’ words, the Ambassador mounted the podium and proclaimed: “kalispera Athina – Welcome Athens!”
After warmly acknowledging and thanking Dracopoulos for his cultural and philanthropic endeavors, Tsunis declared, “247 years ago, when my country put up a government, its founders envisioned a land that was free and democratic, based on the values and principles born right here in Athens. It was here in Athens that for the first time everyday citizens were empowered to work together to shape their collective lives.”
Referring to the U.S.-Greece relationship, he said that “today we celebrate” the friendship of peoples “bound together by the dream of equality and ‘the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness’ for all.”
Referring to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Tsunis said the great civil rights leader
“believed that democratic action was grounded in the Greek notion of Agape, which he understood as brotherhood, goodwill, and an overflowing love that seeks nothing in return.”
The Ambassador then emphasized that the struggle for freedom continues in the U.S., Greece, and around the world with battles for equality and full civil rights for all, including the LGBT+ community, but especially for women. “I believe that when the history of this century is written… it’s going to be a century of women, the century when we realized you cannot achieve the full human potential without half your intellectual firepower. Great societies know this, and countries that do not understand this will are going to be left behind.”
He also noted governments’ and societies’ obligations to migrants fleeing violence and poverty in search of better lives for their families, as did his own dear parents and all the pioneering Greek immigrants to America.
The Ambassador ended on an eloquent and moving note, embraced by applause from the huge gathering.
He said that when all groups are integrated and freedom for all is realized, “our economies grow faster…our societies grow stronger, more creative, more vibrant, and freer… Let us choose love – not hate. Let us choose freedom – not tyranny. Let us choose unity – not division. Let us choose all – not the few. Let us choose infinite possibility and aspiration. Let us heal, and let us choose – to have a dream.”
Read more at thenationalherald.com
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Rennett Stowe
- 1) Regalia of King Otto on display in the Greek parliament in Athens until 2073
- 2) Conference and Summit of Global Archons conclides with dinner at Zappeion
- 3) Posidonia 2024: Minister wants more ships and related firms registered in Greece
- 4) Former US Secretary of State Pompeo addresses Archon Conference in Athens
19/06 23:47
Greek state ten-year bond auction concluded with yield at 3.56%
19/06 23:41
Shipping Minister: Greece supports EU's efforts to modernise maritime safety rules
19/06 22:32
Culture minister reviews NSRF projects on the Greek island of Lesvos
19/06 19:41
US Ambassador to Athens applauds Greece’s comeback and investors interest
19/06 11:44
Minister: Reforms must follow investments to boost regional competitiveness
18/06 18:15
ARF 2024: US Ambassador to Athens on Greece's economic miracle
18/06 16:33
Capital Region AHEPA organizes 5th Annual Golf Outing in New York
18/06 14:58
18/06 14:24
Greek Minister refers to multiple benefits from the restoration of the Athens Riviera
18/06 13:35
Regional Governor of Attica: Greeks living abroad are the most important ambassadors
17/06 19:02
Conference focuses on Sifnos and sustainable development on Greek islands
17/06 18:56
Council of State discusses relocation of Mount Parnitha casino to Marousi again
17/06 18:56
Ministers and Super League chief talk digital tickets for upcoming soccer matches
17/06 15:59
Forecast: Very high risk of fire in two Greek regions including Attica
17/06 13:42
Passenger traffic in Greek ports records an increase of 11.1% during Q4 2023
14/06 22:58
14/06 22:03
14/06 17:58
Athens and Thessaloniki added 250 new electric buses to their urban transport networks
13/06 22:43
National Theater to perform Aristophanes at ancient Greek theaters over the summer
12/06 11:48
Athens Acropolis site closed down from 12:00 to 17:00 due to high temperatures
12/06 00:01
'Poor Things' costumes exhbition at Benaki Museum in downtown Athens
11/06 15:53
Schools in Athens to stay closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to heatwave
11/06 00:10
Greek Port Authority to acquire 11 boats for transfer of patients from remote islands
11/06 00:03
Greece's Interior Ministry issues directions for remote work during heatwave
10/06 23:45
Digital app for travellers to Greece 'mAIGreece' goes live on Monday
10/06 22:28
Greek Interior Ministry issues directions for remote work during heatwave on Tuesday-Thursday
10/06 19:38
Traffic restored on new Greek national highway leading to Corinth after truck explosion
10/06 14:42
09/06 22:47
High prices of consumer goods in Greek supermarkets are on a downward trend
09/06 11:18
UK Tourism 2024: Greece named top destination in the world with best value for money
08/06 00:22
Insolvency: FTI Touristik GmbH cancels all trips up to and including 05 July 2024
07/06 02:54
ERTFLIX International takes part in the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
07/06 02:42
NBG: Greek tourism to break record in 2024 with 35 million arrivals and €22 billion in revenue
06/06 20:50
Greece elected to UN Security Council for 2025-26 in a 'historic day'
06/06 13:57
Hellenic National Archaeological Museum presents "The last Aphrodites" exhibition
05/06 22:00
FTI provisional insolvency admin strives for fastest possible solutions for clients
05/06 00:13
Turkey denies allowing Lord Elgin take Parthenon Marbles off Athens Acropolis
04/06 20:04
Migration & Asylum Ministry greenlights extra funding for 5 Greek island municipalities
04/06 14:55
Greek wine promotion event in London held under the auspices of GNTO
04/06 09:33
01/06 23:59
Regalia of King Otto on display in the Greek parliament in Athens until 2073
30/05 22:04
Eight groups submit expression of interest for Greek port of Lavrio
30/05 21:01
Traffic restrictions in Athens on Sunday morning for Cancer Survivors Day event
30/05 20:19
Conference and Summit of Global Archons conclides with dinner at Zappeion
30/05 18:15
Posidonia 2024: Minister wants more ships and related firms registered in Greece
30/05 15:23
Greek government spokesperson announces launch of new Entrepreneurship Fund
29/05 23:31
National Opera adds fifth performance of 'Tosca' due to high demand in Athens
29/05 21:24
Japan's Princess Kako tours Greece and visits National Foundation for the Deaf in Corfu
29/05 19:20
Attica Region governor talks synergies with firms, agencies at Shanghai conference
29/05 18:16
ATTICA GREEN EXPO 2024: Deputy Tourism Minister promotes sustainable tourism
29/05 15:11
Greek Prime Minister meets Emir of Qatar and two bilateral agreements are signed
29/05 14:47
28/05 22:58
Greek PM: We will continue to work hard to curb rising prices
28/05 22:54
Greek FinMin utilizes Recovery Fund, NSRF to be in vanguard of green transition
28/05 19:46
'The Enigma of Keros' clinches Audience Favorite prize at International Festival in Oregon
28/05 17:49
Former US Secretary of State Pompeo addresses Archon Conference in Athens
28/05 17:41
European report confirms 95.8% of bathing waters in Greece have 'excellent quality'
27/05 23:05
Türkiye's Ambassador to Athens on boosting economic, commercial, and cultural relations
27/05 21:11
4th International Conference on Religious Freedom of Archons commences in Athens
27/05 20:19
Delegation from the Saudi Arabia visits ONEX shipyards in Elefsis near Athens
27/05 18:15
Princess Kako takes part in 125th anniversary of Greek-Japanese diplomatic relations
27/05 14:07
National Opera offers free tickets to the dress rehearsal of 'Tosca' for the jobless
23/05 23:30
New Evinos bridge in Central Greece inaugurated by Transport Minister
23/05 21:34
Greece hosting meeting of International Organization of Securities Commissions May 26-29
23/05 20:37
Greek Deputy Foreign Minister highlights efforts to counter brain drain
23/05 20:24
Greek government to improve ties with Diaspora and consular services by AI
23/05 13:15
Climate Perception: Greece most resilient to global warming among Med destinations
22/05 23:17
Commander of French land forces visits Greece to promote military ties
22/05 20:06
Greek presence at 77th Cannes Film Festival includes Lanthimos film
22/05 18:55
Greece's Kalamata Dance Festival opens July 12 featuring 19 productions
22/05 18:11
Over 630 schools participate in 'Greek PISA' assessment tests on Wednesday
22/05 16:52
22/05 12:32
Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour with participants from 12 countries
21/05 18:30
The President of the Hellenic Republic to visit Florence in Italy on May 23
21/05 17:24
'Greece through the Art of the Tourist Poster' exhibition in Chengdu of China
21/05 17:21
American Hellenic Institute honors Anniversary of the Pontic Greek Genocide
21/05 15:17
Arrivals and nights in Greek tourist accommodation rise 3.5% and 4.9% in March
21/05 14:12
Greek Tourism Minister receives ambassadors of Iraq and Slovakia
20/05 01:51
First Ramada by Wyndham Hotel in Fethiye opens in Ölüdeniz of Turkey
17/05 01:25
Mayors of Athens and Rome discuss city challenges and cooperation
16/05 23:20
Tsakopoulos Collection & Hellenic Studies Program marked their 20th anniversary
16/05 21:17
Greek Culture Minister hosts Turkish counterpart for ‘Romeo and Juliet’ premiere
16/05 20:12
Greek Finance Minister advocates green transition and Recovery Fund II
16/05 15:27
Higher global temperatures causing Caretta turtles to lay eggs sooner in Greece
15/05 20:32
BoG urges progress on harmonizing national systems of bank deposit guarantees
15/05 19:22
Islands Decarbonization Fund signing in Greek island of Naxos on May 27
15/05 14:15
EU Commission forecasts Greece's growth rate at 2.2% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2025
14/05 22:27
Syracuse show on Mycenaean influence on Sicily includes golden cup of Dendra
14/05 20:34
Greek Health Minister attends World Health Congress in Abu Dhabi
14/05 19:23
Greece and Santorini clinch top honors at American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2024
14/05 18:31
20th Thessaloniki International Book Fair opens from May 16-19 at Helexpo
13/05 20:16
Greek Prime Minister meets with Turkish President in Ankara (video)
13/05 20:11
Greek Council of State to mull relocation of Mt Parnas casino to Maroussi again
13/05 15:48
13/05 09:53
Discover Kerasia Petrified Forest in northern Evia near the Greek Capital
11/05 01:30
Greek Foreign Minister congratulated new Serbian counterpart on assumption of duties
10/05 22:45
The 52nd Oakland Greek Festival to take place this year on May 17-19
10/05 22:33
Thessaloniki Port pier extension expected to be given the green light in the fall
10/05 19:42
Hellenic President visits Greek community's premises and Cavafy's tomb in Alexandria
10/05 19:27
Greek and Swiss ministers meet in Athens on investments and cooperation
Shipping Minister: Greece supports EU's efforts to modernise maritime safety rules
US Ambassador to Athens applauds Greece’s comeback and investors interest
Culture minister reviews NSRF projects on the Greek island of Lesvos
Greek state ten-year bond auction concluded with yield at 3.56%
Minister: Reforms must follow investments to boost regional competitiveness
Capital Region AHEPA organizes 5th Annual Golf Outing in New York
ARF 2024: US Ambassador to Athens on Greece's economic miracle
Greek Minister refers to multiple benefits from the restoration of the Athens Riviera
Regional Governor of Attica: Greeks living abroad are the most important ambassadors
Global aviation challenges mandatory flight reductions at Schiphol Airport
National Economy and Finance Minister: Greek economy will rise even higher in 2024
Turkey denies allowing Lord Elgin take Parthenon Marbles off Athens Acropolis
Fitch: Greek Stability Programme records strong improvement in public finances
Bard Gemini Pro, Google's largest AI model, now available in Greece
Coronavirus infections rise in Greece during July 24-30 with 24 fatalities
IOBE forecasts 2.4% growth and 10.5% unemployment in Greece during 2024
A luxury cruise ship will enable its residents to permanently live at sea (photos)
Greek capital of Athens among top-10 most beautiful cities for the second time
Climate Perception: Greece most resilient to global warming among Med destinations
Attica Region governor talks synergies with firms, agencies at Shanghai conference
Cruise ship 'Azamara Onward' docks in Greek port of Thessaloniki
Priceless antiquities returned to the people of Greece at New York Consulate
Greek supermarkets record rise in value and decline in volume of FMCG sales