The Greek community of New York will celebrate the bicentenary of the Greek War of Independence on June 6 with the Sail to Freedom.

Sail to Freedom will honor the contribution of philhellenes to the Greek struggle, particularly that of American philhellenes. The main event will be a boat parade to the Statue of Liberty, highlighting not only the role of Greek shipping during the War of Independence but also as a symbol of the connection between Greeks and the sea.

“We celebrate the Greek spirit, our values and the ideas of ‘Freedom’ and ‘Democracy’ with an inspired and unique initiative that will draw the international spotlight to it. Our ancestors fought and died not just for their country but for the idea of free will, freedom of expression, freedom of action, and the freedom that rejects tyranny,” said Evagelina Plakas, publisher of the Hellenic Golden Directory.

The concept of Sail to Freedom came to Plakas as a result of the situation imposed by the pandemic and resonated deeply with the community at large.

“Because of the pandemic there were no parades on Fifth Avenue. We also lost many people. Under these circumstances, I wanted to organize something that would celebrate the bicentenary and the American philhellenes but also would show the world that the pandemic is nearly over and we will be free again,” she added.

The parade will culminate in front of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing the freedom of all people. There will be a wreath laying ceremony, with wreaths being placed at sea by the participants of the parade, and a performance by aerialist and dancer Jennifer Kovacs.

This article was first published at ekathimerini.com.