With rain forcing the City’s Greek Flag Raising Ceremony indoors, a large crowd gathered to honor those who fought in the 1821 Greek Revolution and highlight the impact that Greeks – from Athens to Aurora – have had across the globe.
Aurora mayor Richard Irvin and Alderman Ted Mesiacos—the only Greek American on the Aurora City Council—led the festivities.
“We remember the Greek Americans whose strong spirit, resolve, and courage helped shape America,” said Mayor Irvin as he issued the annual Greek Independence Day Proclamation. We also remember and recognize Aurora’s Greek community, which built its foundation in the mid-20th century and has left an indelible mark in Aurora’s faith, business, education, civic, cultural, and political sectors.”
The ceremony also featured a blessing by Father Pangianotis Boznos of Aurora’s St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church, and a presentation of the ‘Optimum Participation in Aurora” Award – known as the OPA Award as a nod to the popular Greek expression – to community members of Greek Heritage who have had a hand in the city’s progress. Recipients include realtor Bill Deligiannis, his sister, global humanitarian Penny Deligiannis, and Niko and Fanny Andriopoulus, owners of the Gyro Pit restaurant in Aurora.
After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a free traditional Greek meal provided by the Gyro Pit.
—City of Aurora government