Klarides Hosts Greek Independence Day Celebration

Last night State Rep. Themis Klarides (R-114) served as master of ceremonies at the 19th annual Greek Independence Day celebration to honor Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Sponsored by the Hellenic Student Association Paideia of the University of Connecticut, the event featured folk dance, student poetry readings, traditional cuisine and speeches by several Greek community leaders at the State Capitol in Hartford. In addition to hosting the event Rep. Klarides, who is the only Greek American currently serving in the General Assembly, marked the occasion by presenting Rev. Fr. George Zugravu with a legislative proclamation and honored the Pan Gregorian of Connecticut with the “Paideia” award.