AHEPA Observes OXI Day; FDR’s Words About Greece’s Defiance Remembered

WASHINGTON – Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides issued the following statement on the 72nd 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, 72 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 72nd 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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AHEPA is the largest Greek-American association in the world with chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and sister chapters in Australia and New Zealand. It was established in 1922 by visionary Greek Americans to protect Hellenes from prejudice originating from the KKK, and in its history, AHEPA joined with the NAACP and B’nai B’rith International to fight discrimination.

The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.

For more information about the AHEPA family, or how to join, please contact AHEPA Headquarters, (202) 232-6300, or visit www.ahepa.org. To learn more about the AHEPA National Educational Foundation, please visit www.ahepa.org/education.