Dr. Aris Michopoulos, special to Hellenic News of America
October 28, 1940 holds a special place in the annals of modern Greek history, like the legendary battles of Marathon, Thermopylae and Salamis, which shaped not only Greece but also the course of European history and global. This long battle in 1940 changed the trajectory of World War II and ushered in a glimmer of hope amid the darkness enveloping Europe.
It was a harbinger of a better future, a sentiment shared by both friends and foes. Even Adolf Hitler himself recognized the unprecedented bravery of Greek soldiers, stating: “Of all our adversaries, the Greek soldier fought above all with the greatest courage.” ” His field marshal Wilhelm Keitel further acknowledged: “The Greeks delayed the German attack on Russia by two vital months; without this delay, the outcome of the war would have been different.
Winston Churchill immortalized their bravery in the British Parliament with these famous words: “People will no longer say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks.” President Roosevelt added: “When the whole world had lost all hope, the Greek people dared to question the invincibility of the German monster, arousing against it the proud spirit of freedom. » Even the Russians expressed gratitude to the Greeks for allowing them crucial time to prepare for the German assault, which made a significant difference in their battle against the German army.
This monumental effort and achievement of the Greek army filled all Greeks, both at home and abroad, with immense pride. Greek communities around the world, including those in America, Canada and Australia, celebrated the extraordinary feats of the Greek evzones. Their enthusiasm was so remarkable that LIFE magazine featured a Greek evzone on its cover in its December 16, 1940 issue. This recognition was an important milestone, given that a few years earlier, the Johnson-Reed Act of 1924 had significantly reduced the immigration from Southern Europe, including Greece, due to perceived assimilation challenges. This shift in American public opinion toward Greece not only had significance for international relations, but also greatly boosted the morale of Greek-Americans.
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During this pivotal period, the Greek Orthodox Church played a crucial role in supporting Greece, which was under brutal occupation by Germany and Italy. Under the leadership of Archbishop Athenagoras, the Church rallied clergy and laity to create the famous Greek War Relief Association (GWRA). This association quickly raised an incredible $10 million in donations to purchase essential products, such as food and medicine, for the hungry Greek population. To transport these supplies by sea, the GWRA negotiated safe passage agreements with the British and Germans. The association also collaborated with Turkish companies to purchase and transport food to Greece. This humanitarian effort received the blessing of President Roosevelt and his successor, President Truman. The strong friendship that developed between Archbishop Athenagoras and President Truman led to the promulgation of the historic Truman Doctrine, which played a central role in the fight against the communist uprising in Greece (1946-49) and provided significant economic assistance in the post-war period.
Today, Greek-Americans have made remarkable progress in various fields, realizing their American dream. They have held important positions in the U.S. government, excelled in business, contributed to scientific and artistic endeavors, and achieved top rankings in education and income. Forbes magazine’s recent list of the 400 richest Americans (October 6, 2023) features six Greek Americans whose combined wealth exceeds $60 billion. The 50 richest Greek Americans have a collective wealth of nearly $100 billion.
This considerable wealth and intellectual prowess remain reservoirs of untapped potential. If these influential figures invested just ten percent of their wealth in Greece, they could catalyze a renaissance in the country. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation is an excellent example of how a visionary foundation can significantly contribute to Greece’s recovery from its economic crisis. The Greek-American community can take inspiration from the Jewish diaspora which, in 75 years, transformed a desert into the Promised Land. Despite recent challenges, global Jewry continues to support Israel in its patriotic duty.
Today’s Greece faces natural disasters, ranging from fires to floods to earthquakes. This represents a unique opportunity for us to support a nation that has made unprecedented contributions to global civilization, championed freedom, and nurtured the foundations of science. It is our duty, as heirs of this heritage, to contribute to the greatness of the heroes of 1940 and to make them proud of our lasting commitment. Genoito!
