Rhode Island Marks Greek Independence Day at State House with Leaders, Community and Faith
Keynote speaker Dr. Yanna Darilis along with members of Congress, State general officers, Legislative leaders, Mayors, Hellenic Navy Commander George Kapnisis. Consul General of Greece Boston Symeon Tegos and State Senator Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis gather at the RI State House
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island’s Greek American community gathered at the Rhode Island State House on March 31 to commemorate the 205th anniversary of Greece’s independence and the Feast of the Annunciation, bringing together federal and state officials, clergy, and members of the Hellenic community from across the state.
The celebration, hosted by Rhode Island’s Hellenic communities and led by State Senator Leonidas Raptakis, included ceremonies in the State Senate Chamber, the House of Representatives, and the Governor’s State Room. Greek flags were displayed throughout the State House, and the building’s dome was illuminated in blue and white in honor of the occasion — a tradition that began in 1993.
In the days leading up to the celebration, Greek flags were also flown at city halls in Cranston, Newport, and Pawtucket, where local mayors issued proclamations recognizing the contributions of the Greek American community.
Resolutions were read in both the Senate and House chambers commemorating Greek Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation, while also recognizing the longstanding ties between the United States and Greece, including expanding cooperation in economic, energy, and defense sectors in the Eastern Mediterranean. Additional resolutions recognized World Greek Language Day and the 100th anniversary of AHEPA Chapter 106 in Providence.
Clergy from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Cranston, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Pawtucket, and St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of Newport delivered prayers and invocations, and the program included the singing of the national anthems of both the United States and the Hellenic Republic.
Members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation sent proclamations, while Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo delivered remarks highlighting the importance of the Greek American community and the historic relationship between the two nations. Governor Daniel McKee later attended an official reception and presented a proclamation recognizing the contributions of the Hellenic community to the state.
During the ceremony, members of law enforcement of Hellenic descent were honored for their service, and Commander George Kapnisis of the Hellenic Navy delivered remarks while attending the U.S. Naval War College in Newport.
Dr. Yanna Darilis, who served as keynote speaker, spoke about the deep historical and cultural ties between Greece and the United States and the responsibility of future generations to preserve their heritage.
“I am deeply honored to have been invited to address the Rhode Island State Senate and the official program in the Governor’s Stateroom. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak before such distinguished elected officials, community leaders, and members of the Greek American community. The bonds between Greece and the United States are rooted in shared values, democracy, freedom, faith, and family, and strengthened by our strategic partnership in the Eastern Mediterranean. It was also a privilege to speak at the People’s House and address the Greek American community about the responsibility we all share as Greeks, especially the younger generation, to preserve our heritage and carry these values forward,” said Dr. Darilis.
State Senator Leonidas Raptakis also praised the longstanding relationship between Rhode Island and the Hellenic community and the continued support of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation on issues important to Greece and Cyprus.
“I want to thank our entire Rhode Island Congressional delegation who not only have the best voting record in the nation when it comes to supporting the many Hellenic issues and voicing their support for Greece and Cyprus, especially in the volatile region of the Eastern Mediterranean,” Raptakis said.
Organizers noted that for more than three decades the Greek Independence Day celebration has been held at the Rhode Island State House, symbolizing both Rhode Island’s historic commitment to independence and Greece’s role as the birthplace of democracy.
The celebration concluded with a reception hosted by the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, continuing a longstanding Rhode Island tradition honoring Greek Independence Day and the enduring relationship between Greece and the United States.
Source: RI State Senate
- Published in Diaspora
