John Rangos Sr. Joins New York's Mayor Bloomberg to Lead Greek Parade

PITTSBURGH, March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, where the largest Greek population in the United States resides, has tapped a prominent Pittsburgher to grand marshal its 75th annual Greek Independence Day Parade.

John G. Rangos Sr., head of the Pittsburgh-based John G. Rangos Sr. Family Charitable Foundation, will join the contingent alongside fellow grand marshals, Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Andrew Athens, president, World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE); and Paul Stathoulopoulos, president and CEO, Marathon National Bank of New York.

The parade is Sunday, April 2 at 1 p.m. and follows Fifth Avenue, starting at 59th Street, in New York City. This year marks the 185th anniversary of the Greek nation's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire.

"It's a tremendous honor to march in such distinguished company," said Rangos. "The parade celebrates not only the independence of Greece, but the resolve of the Greek people to have a positive impact wherever we live."

That is noticeably true in Pittsburgh where John G. Rangos Sr. Family Charitable Foundation's generosity has lead major initiatives for institutional development at The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; The Carnegie Science Center; Duquesne University; Carnegie Mellon; and The Pittsburgh Children's Museum among others. Nationally, the Foundation also supports Johns Hopkins, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).

Mayor Bloomberg notes the impact of Greeks throughout New York City, "From the vibrant streets of Astoria to the Greek-owned businesses and cultural landmarks that dot every corner of the five boroughs, the Greek people have made New York a stronger and greater city."

About The 75th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade

The Federation of Hellenic Societies Parade Chairman, Dino Rallis, noted "Greece is the birthplace of democratic ideals and its independence from the Ottoman Empire marked a triumph of these cherished ideals over tyranny and oppression. We are proud to preserve those ideals and traditions today." Parade Co-Chairpersons include Greek civic leaders Philip Christopher, Georgia Kaloidis and Tasos Manessis.

The parade consists of more than 40 floats and bands, community groups, churches, schools representing Greeks from New York City and the tri-state area. It promises to be the largest display of Hellenic heritage celebrations in years.

The Federation president, Nick Diamantidis, added that this year's parade theme is "Honoring The Greek Immigrants To America And The Success Of Following Generations." The parade is also dedicated to the memory of the late Archbishop Iakovos, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America.

Honored guests include actor Louis Mandylor (star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding), the Evzones (the elite Greek Presidential Guard), Greek and U.S. government officials, Consul General of Greece in NY, Catherine Boura, and Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in NY, Martha Mavromatis, among others. The Parade will feature members of the Greek Army Philharmonic Band and members of the Color Guard of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy of Kings Point, NY.

The Federation will also honor the Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation (an international philanthropic organization) with the Liberty Award for their charitable giving worldwide.

About John G. Rangos Sr. Family Charitable Foundation

The John G. Rangos Sr. Family Charitable Foundation is unwavering in its dedication to causes that encourage awareness, that create opportunity and hope for all people, and which contribute optimism and confidence in our homes, schools and workplaces. The organization believes that by aiming efforts towards bettering the health and minds of children, it can help create a better and stronger America. For more information, visit http://www.rangosfoundation.org/.

About the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater NY

Organizers of the annual Greek Independence Day parade, the Federation of Hellenic Societies, is a not-for-profit organization comprised of nearly 200 cultural, civic associations, regional and professional organizations. The Federation's mission is to preserve and promote Hellenic culture and heritage throughout the five boroughs of New York.

About Greek Independence Day

After 400 years of rule by the Ottoman Empire, Greece declared its independence on March 25, 1821. The parade is held on the closest Sunday to March 25, a dual celebration integrally connected with the Christian Feast of the Annunciation. The annual commemoration brings together thousands of Greek American civic, religious and political organizations, representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church and American and Greek government officials along Fifth Avenue.

   CONTACT:  Eleni Daniels
             For The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York
             917-468-2919 (cell)
             danielsmediagroup@yahoo.com

             Jack Horner
             For The John G. Rangos Sr. Family Charitable Foundation
             412-600-2295 (cell)
             jackh@jackhorner.com