Flag Raised, Songs Sung to Mark Greek Independence Day

U.S. Marshal James Plousis, foreground, helps attach Greek flag prior to raising in North Wildwood as Fr. Steven Vlahos and children from St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church watch. Photos by Al Campbell

North Wildwood 1 day 10 hours ago Comments 0 By Al Campbell

NORTH WILDWOOD -- Although three days early on March 22, a contingent from St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Anglesea marked the 187th Greek Independence Day with a brief ceremony at the city Community Center, followed by a flag raising on the Island of Flags in the center of Central Avenue.

Father Steven Vlahos, church pastor, was joined by Father Demetrios Katerlis, former dean of the Cathedral of St. George, Philadelphia, in offering thanks for the freedoms enjoyed by those in Greece and in this nation.

Vlahos asked the children of the church, many in native Greek garb waving blue and white Greek flags, to sing a song related to the nation’s independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821.

Dr. Lester Katsanis, church secretary was chair of the day’s events, which included Greek flag raising ceremonies throughout the Five Mile Beach and at the Cape May County Administration Building, Crest Haven.

William Mitchell, president of the church council, gave a brief welcome to the small gathering.

Notables at the ceremony included U.S. Marshal James Plousis of Ocean City, Mayor William Henfey and Councilman Ed. Koehler and Attorney Marcus Karavan.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Greek flag was raised atop a flagpole between the Irish and Finnish flags on the Central Avenue Island of Flags.

That done, the contingent hurried off to raise more flags and sing more songs about independence.

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