Greek Americans Mark 194th Year of Freedom

NORTH WILDWOOD – George Gordon, known by lovers of poetry as Lord Byron, once wrote, “The mountains look on Marathon – And Marathon looks on the sea; And musing there an hour alone, I dream’d that Greece might still be free.”
Writing these words in the early 1800s, when Europe and America struggled with their own turmoil, the Englishman later returned to Greece and took part in her struggle for freedom from the Ottoman Turks. From ordinary citizens to poets who’d never seen war, countless thousands rose up in 1821 to strike a blow at the mighty Turkish Empire that stretched from modern day Turkey to portions of the Middle East, and to the snow-capped mountains of the Balkans.
The ancient lands of Greece, Albania, Macedonia, and Bulgaria – all of which shared a common culture and related languages – had slept beneath the shadow of the scimitar for over 400 years. Extremists ruled. Blood ran freely. Innocents of many nationalities (European, Turkish, and Middle Eastern alike) found themselves caught up in the ravages of war.
Those who gathered outside the North Wildwood Recreation Center March 21 did not see the sun shine down on Marathon, but they did see rays of light beam on Greece’s flag. The ceremony continued down the island to Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and concluded at the County Complex in Court House – indeed, the sun shone on the Atlantic as it must have on the waves of the Mediterranean.
St. Demetrios Church has hosted this celebration of Greek culture and heritage for many years in North Wildwood. Various council members, Mayor Patrick Rosenello, and distinguished dignitaries attended the event as well as members of the community. Rev. Steven J. Vlahos of St. Demetrios, Mark Karavan, Lestor Kantsanis, and James Plousis (chairman of the state parole board) all spoke of being proud of their heritage. “We thank the Lord for a wonderful day,” Vlahos began, “and for 194 years of freedom.”
Vlahos also shared these words with those who gathered: “This is a double holiday: the annunciation of the birth of Christ and freedom of the Greek nation.” He went on to expound of being “proud of his Hellenic culture,” and how the Greek American community was “peaceful and law abiding.”
Karavan concurred with Vlahos: “This is a celebration of spirit.” Karavan pointed out that everyone, from any background, faces adversity; in his own words, he said that “by faith and strength” all could move forward. Countless numbers share dreams of peace, not only of those of Greek ancestry.
After a small ensemble of young people joined Vlahos in singing the Greek national anthem and “God Bless America,” Rosenello presented a proclamation from the city of North Wildwood to St. Demetrios Church. An icon, bearing the likeness of the patron saint, Demetrios, was also presented.
Rosenello commented on how many of his friends during his school days belonged to the Greek community. “We have close relations with Greek Americans,” Rosenello said.
Before the flag rising, Kantsanis gave a brief summary of Greek history for the benefit of the younger members present. Kantsanis remarked on Greece’s position as being the “mother of republics.” Democracy, art, theater, Western philosophy, and even our concept of athletics find their origins in ancient Greece.
Kantsanis also pointed out the strong, historical link between the U.S. and the Greek modern state. Thomas Jefferson, Daniel Webster, James Madison, and other leading figures from America’s past had voiced their desire for a Greek national state. Even an Irish immigrant to Philadelphia, named Robert Walsh, sent funds to help the revolution – Walsh published the National Gazette. Another Irishman Michael Casey, who also ran a publishing company at the time, pledged his support. Casey had fled Ireland for reasons of religious persecution in the late 1700s.
The mention of religious persecution led Kantsanis to remark, “this is relevant today.” Today, the shrouded face of extremism and recorded executions is no stranger to the global community. Terrorism is no longer isolated to one corner of the world or to one group of people: the peaceful of any land and of any religion face the same adversity as the Greeks did in 1821. The Greek nation actually celebrated its freedom March 25.
The ceremony concluded with smiles as the Greek flag rose into the air, its blue stripes mirroring the sky. The Greek American community of the Wildwoods will doubt continue their zealous pursuit of life and freedom. As Lord Byron wrote, “The sword, the banner, and the field, Glory and Greece, around me see! The Spartan, borne upon his shield, was not more free.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.