Nassau County Celebrates 205th Hellenic-American Heritage Day

Annual event honors Greek independence and community contributions

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:56am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a traditional Greek coffee cup, capturing the celebratory spirit and cultural pride of the Hellenic-American community event.The festive Hellenic-American Heritage Day celebration in Nassau County honors the enduring Greek-American community and its deep cultural traditions.NYC Today

Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman hosted the 205th Hellenic-American Heritage Day celebration at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive Building in Mineola, NY. The event, organized by the AHEPA Family Chapters of New York, featured speeches, performances, and recognition of local Greek-American leaders and organizations.

Why it matters

The annual Hellenic-American Heritage Day celebration in Nassau County highlights the vibrant Greek-American community on Long Island and its deep ties to Greek history, culture, and civic engagement. The event showcases the community's ongoing contributions to the region and the importance of preserving Greek heritage and values.

The details

The daylong celebration included an invocation by local Greek Orthodox clergy, speeches by elected officials and AHEPA leaders, the singing of the national anthems, and a reception. Honorees were recognized for their service to the Greek-American community, including Maria Nikolis, Sotirios Grigoriou, Panagiota Perlegis, John and Maria Papachristou, Adonia Nikitopoulos, Vivian Casil, Charlie Marangoudakis, and Manny Kratsios. The event also promoted the upcoming Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City on April 26, 2026.

  • The celebration took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • The Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City is scheduled for April 26, 2026.

The players

Bruce A. Blakeman

The Nassau County Executive who hosted the Hellenic-American Heritage Day celebration.

Anastasi Stampolis

The President of the AHEPA Constantine Cassis Chapter No. 170 who chaired the event.

Elaine Phillips

The Nassau County Comptroller who represented County Executive Blakeman at the event.

Theodore A. Stamas

The AHEPA Supreme Counselor who spoke at the event.

Dean Moskos

The AHEPA Supreme Governor for Region 3 who spoke at the event.

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What they’re saying

“Our County Supervisor Bruce Blakeman sends his regards, We celebrate every race, every religion in peace and harmony”

— Elaine Phillips, Nassau County Comptroller

“This is not only a commemoration of the Greeks in the War for Independence; it was a fight for freedom. It was a struggle to preserve our identity, our culture, our faith, and the right to live under self-rule. Greece has been a steadfast ally of the United States through every conflict, and even now, as we face global challenges, this bond continues to grow stronger.”

— Theodore A. Stamas, AHEPA Supreme Counselor

“They remind us that even after darkness, light can return. In 1821, 205 years ago, ordinary Greeks rose with extraordinary courage after centuries of Ottoman rule, and Greece rose again. They did not stand alone. Across Europe and the Americas, thousands of Philhellenes helped, turning the uprising into a cause the world could not ignore.”

— Dean Moskos, AHEPA Supreme Governor Region 3

What’s next

The Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City is scheduled for April 26, 2026, and the Nassau County community is encouraged to attend and show their support.

The takeaway

The Hellenic-American Heritage Day celebration in Nassau County demonstrates the enduring strength and pride of the local Greek-American community, which continues to honor its heritage, culture, and civic engagement while also embracing its role as an integral part of the broader American fabric.