Greeks Parade Their Independence

By Nick Nicholas with Wes Hessel

Chicago’s Greektown celebrated Greek Independence Day on April 6th with their annual parade, showcasing Greek American culture and heritage, and commemorating Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. Chicago’s Greek American community, second largest after that of New York City, gathered on Halsted to celebrate and commemorate Greek independence from the Ottomans, who occupied Greece for 400 years.

Isn’t it amazing that a group managed with the help of some affluent people from Europe to revolt against the Turks after such a long time? They didn’t give up generation after generation. They could have easily assimilated and Greece would have become a part of Turkey. Who would expect that language and the desire to be free would remain alive for four centuries and get so strong in the heroic people who with sacrifice and bloodshed took their country back?

So the Greeks put on a festive celebration and let loose with traditional music, songs, and costumes of the 19th century time of 1821, when they regained their land. It is historically very interesting as to what happened next, which brings us to now. Chicago boasts a large number of business and civic leaders who help Greek American communities, and take an interest in the happenings in Greece, so that they influence freedom and well being.

Despite the cold that Sunday, April 6th, thousands gathered and filled the ever so popular Greek restaurants in Greektown. The older generations had an opportunity to show the newer ones what lineage and heritage are all about, and instill a sense of pride. It’s clear to the Greeks that one can carry another land within, while being fully an American – I am one of those Greeks.

Here’s to another year of freedom one can never take for granted; guard it for it is valuable and if lost, or taken away, it might take another 400 years to claim it back. This gathering to celebrate Greek Independence, and every gathering of the many ethnic groups here in Chicago who parade the streets with pride in heritage, is also a reminder that we have a responsibility to guard this freedom, which starts with us – the freedom to be and become for one’s self who is good and has value to all.

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