By Georgia Vavas

Many marching groups representing their churches and various regions and islands of Greece, took part in ethnic costumes. Also were dance troupes, members of AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, the 300 Spartan Warriors of Thermopylae, the Evzones and many more. Government officials and media personalities paraded in celebration of the independence of the birthplace of democracy, Greece. Among the key dignitaries were retired Senator Paul Sarbanes, Ambassador of Greece Vasilis Kaskarelis, Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Aris Melissaratos, Special Advisor to the President of Johns Hopkins University, and military attaches from the Greek and Cypriot Embassies. The Grand Marshal was Colonel Nicholas Vamvakias, Supreme Treasurer of AHEPA.

Congratulations to the Chairmen, Emmanuel Matsos and George Stakias and the Parade Committee for a very successful event. The beautiful weather contributed to making this display of Greek pride an unforgettable experience.