Legislators Welcome Greek Cultural and Historical Expert to Boston

The following is a press release issued from the Office of Sen. Karen Spilka:

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, held a reception Aug. 4 at the State House to welcome internationally known Greek businessman and dignitary Spyros Mercouris during his visit to Boston.

“Through his various programs and initiatives, Spyros Mercouris has worked for years to show the critical role his country played in the advancement of western civilization and the development of democracy,” said Spilka. “From his early years as an activist to his current work promoting cultural and historical exhibits, Mr. Mercouris has dedicated his life to being an ambassador for democracy and I was honored to have been able to recognize his work at the State House.”

Mercouris, who is the honorary president of the European Commission’s Capitals of Culture program, used this visit to discuss the work he has done to educate and promote the history of Greece through the use of art, music, and cultural exhibits. His latest exhibit, “Democracy and the Battle of the Marathon,” uses paintings, sculptures, and artifacts to show the impact the Battle of the Marathon played in the development of the Democratic form of government.

"It was an honor to welcome Mr. Mercouris to the State House. His commitment to sharing the history of democracy and the tremendous impact the Battle of Marathon continues to have on our society is inspirational," Dykema said.

Spyros Mercouris was born in Athens, Greece in 1926 and studied law at the University of Athens. He was also an active in the Resistance during the German and Italian occupation and an active member of “Democratic Defense,” a resistance organization during the colonels’ junta in Greece.

Executive Director of the Hopkinton Athletic Association and Hopkinton resident Tim Kilduff accompanied Mr. Mercouris during his visit to Boston.