Pontian Genocide commemorated in New York

PanARMENIAN.Net - May 19th, the international day of remembrance for the Pontian Genocide, was marked for the second year in a row with a public commemoration in Bowling Green Park in downtown Manhattan, Hellenic League of America told PanARMENIAN.Net



Pontian Hellenes, Hellenes from Hellas and Cyprus, Greek and Greek-Cypriot dignitaries, local American elected officials, and philhellenes travelled to Bowling Green Park at 12 noon to stand in commemoration of the raising of the Hellenic flag, and the historic single headed eagle flag of Pontos, seen waving today at half mast, beneath the official flag of Greece, over the streets of downtown Manhattan in New York City.



The 90th Anniversary of Pontian Genocide event was organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater NY, and the Pan-Pontian Federation of USA and Canada. Distinguished speakers included The Honorable Leonidas P. Raptakis State Senator of Rhode Island , Dr. Mary Marangos Executive Director representing the Honorable US Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, The Honorable Mrs. Aghi Balta Consul General - New York for the Republic of Greece, The Honorable Mr. Andreas Panayiotou Consul General for the Republic of Cyprus- New York, Mr. Demetrius Kalamaras, Esq. - President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, Mr. Elias Tsekerides - President of the International Confederation of Pontian Hellenes, Mr. George Tsilfidis - Deputy President Pan-Pontian Federation of USA and Canada, Mr. Tassos Efstratiades Esq. - Chairman Greek American Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Karine Birazian - Eastern Region Executive Director Armenian National Committee of America, and Mr. Ioannis Fidanakis - President of Pan-Thracian Union of America "Orpheus".



Many Hellenic society presidents and members attended, including the two local Pontian associations "Komninoi" of New York in Astoria and "Pontos" of Norwalk Connecticut, as well as "Holy Institution Panagia Soumela."



A prayer was said aloud, followed by a speech by Reverend Father John Romas from the nearby historic St. Nicholas church that was destroyed on 9/11, and a moment of silence for the innocent victims of the Pontian Genocide perpetrated by Turkey.
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