DEPTFORD, NJ – The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and the Greater Delaware Valley celebratedthe Federation Parade Dignitaries and Eleftheria Award Dinner at the Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford Township, NJ, on March 17. The event also honored George Burlotos for his lifetime contributions to Hellenism in the Delaware Valleywith the Eleftheria Medaland Dr. George Ahtaridiswith the Grand Marshal award.A tribute in memory of the late Sotirios Maniatis, Honorary Past President of the Federation was also held at the event.
The eveningwas flooded with pride for Greekheritage and determination to set a record for participationcelebrating 197 years of Greek Independence at the parade, which will take place in the heart of Philadelphia on Sunday, March 25th.
His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey congratulated the honorees and invited all the Greek community to attend the parade.
The National Anthems were sung by Panagiota Georgiou.
Previous Federation President Stathis Karadonis congratulated the honoree and focused his attention on the Pan-Macedonian rally and the events to be organized before and after the parade.
The President of the Federation, Nikolaos Spiliotis, congratulated the honoree and noted that on the following Saturday, March 24th, at 10am, they will hold an event for Macedonia at the St. Thomas Church Community Hall in Cherry Hill, with keynote speaker, Dr. Ahtaridis. The central theme of the speech is “Macedonia is far more than a name.”
He also invited everyone to attend the final meetingbefore the parade that will take place on Tuesday night at the Pontic Club in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
Former President of the Federation, Demosthenes Vasiliou, presented the parade Grand Marshal and noted that Dr. Ahtaridis is our man, he is a fighteranda leader of the Pan-Macedonian Association and the Federation. At the same time, he is the Greek community’s doctor.
A video presentation followed on Dr. Ahtaridis’ life and struggles.
Visibly moved by the event, Dr. Ahtaridisexpressed his thanks for the honor and dedicated the award to his wife Sophia and his children who supported him and gave him the opportunity to deal with Greek causes.
Dr. Achtaridis was also honored by the National Herald in the Periodiko on November7-8, 2015.
Anna Marlys then presented her brother, George Burlotos, talking about his childhood and youth, and the struggles they went through following their mother’s death.
She spoke about Bourlotos’ experiences in the Second World War, as well as his contribution to the St. Thomas community in Cherry Hill, AHEPA, and other Greek organizations.
She also referred to the television show The Greek Spirit, which her brother has produced for decades.
Immediately following, Metropolitan Evangelos, flanked by the leaders of the Federation, presented the Eleftheria Medal to Burlotos.
Mr. Burlotos expressed his gratitude for the honor and noted that it is the greatest honor of his life that he shared with his sister, children, and grandchildren who were present.
Finally, let us note that George Burlotos is one of the oldest readers of the National Herald, and a subscriber since the beginning of 1943 until today.
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