RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING MARCH 21, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing Greek Independence Day
Body
WHEREAS, March 25th commemorates the anniversary of Greek Independence Day, which honors the beginning of the War of Greek Independence (War) in 1821. On this day, the Greek community celebrates the bravery of its ancestors in their struggles and their relentless determination to ensure that Greek heritage, culture, and religion survived; and
WHEREAS, in 1453 with the seizure of Constantinople, Greece unwillingly became part of the Ottoman Empire. For more than 300 years thereafter, the people of Greece were forced to relinquish their customs, language, traditions, and most importantly, their freedom. While many Greeks fled to Western Europe, countless others who could not flee were subjected to many forms of oppression; and
WHEREAS, on March 25, 1821, Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra and declared, "Eleftheria I Thanatos" (Freedom or Death), which became the cry of the War. This single act is credited with inciting the people of Greece to unite together to stage a revolution and defeat the Ottoman Empire; and
WHEREAS, while the Greek armies won many battles, by 1827 they were in danger of losing the War. It was then that Great Britain, France, and Russia interceded, assisting the Greeks with overpowering the Ottoman Empire; and
WHEREAS, on September 14, 1829, the War of Greek Independence ended with the Treaty of Edirne (also known as the Treaty of Adrianople). With the signing of the Treaty of Edirne, the Ottoman Empire was forced to recognize Greece as an autonomous state; and
WHEREAS, in observance of Greek Independence Day, special events are held around the world, including parades, military processions, speeches, and festivals; and
WHEREAS, the contributions of Greek culture on modern civilizations are innumerable. Greek culture has influenced the world in every genre imaginable, from the fields of mathematics, astronomy, science, and medicine to literature, theatre, philosophy, and democracy; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize March 25th as Greek Independence Day; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: March 21, 2024