NEW YORK – One week before the parade marking the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence on Fifth Avenue, the Chairman of the Parade Committee, Lou Katsos, spoke to The National Herald about this year’s preparations, as well as the enriched program of events, with particular emphasis on its educational dimension.
Katsos began by referring to the connection between the Greek and American Revolutions, the need for broader participation by the younger generation, and the need to establish the Greek parade within the wider consciousness of American society.
He expressed hope that the new directions taken by this year’s parade will continue in the coming years, regardless of who leads the Committee.
The National Herald: Mr. Katsos, this year you tried to add certain elements to the preparations for the parade. What were they?
Lou Katsos: From the beginning of the year, my intention was to substantially raise the bar and to restore and further strengthen the significance of the parade in its proper historical dimension – not as a single day of celebration, but as a multi-month platform of education, culture, and civic meaning. Every initiative we undertook was consciously aligned with this aim.
We established a structured weekly program at the Stathakion Cultural Center, where each public gathering begins with a scholarly or cultural presentation connected to the main themes of the year – the 205th anniversary of the Greek Revolution and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
We also expanded the framework to include other important anniversaries: 250 years since the birth of Ioannis Kapodistrias, 200 years since the Exodus of Messolonghi, and 150 years since the death of Samuel Gridley Howe, often referred to as the ‘Lafayette’ of the Greek Revolution.
We placed particular emphasis on highlighting the deep historical ties between America and Greece – not only at the level of ideas, but also through shared experiences and interactions.
Beyond lectures, we developed a broad program of activities, including cultural events, exhibitions, and special initiatives such as ‘Bridging Revolutions: Hellas and America’. The goal was for the Parade to evolve into a living expression of Hellenism, grounded in knowledge, participation, and purpose.
Equally important is that this process brought people together. Individuals and groups who may have had differences in the past worked together toward a common goal. In this sense, the preparation itself became an act of unity.
TNH: How important is the historical component? We saw that you included lectures in the community program.
Lou Katsos: The historical element was fundamental from the outset.
A parade without historical depth risks becoming symbolic without substance. There is a simple reality: many people, both in Greece and in America, do not deeply know their history or the deeper connections between the two countries.
Through this educational process, we tried to change that. The lectures were not designed as academic exercises, but as a means of reconnecting the public with its historical heritage. Over the weeks, many began to better understand the relationship between the Greek Revolution and their own historical experience, especially within the American context.
We examined not only the events of 1821, but also their international and philhellenic dimensions, as well as their connection to the founding principles of the United States.
Thus, the lectures had a dual role: they restored historical knowledge and gave meaningful content to the celebration.
TNH: What is your view on youth participation?
Lou Katsos: The participation of young people is crucial – not only for the future of the parade, but for the continuity of the community itself.
This year we saw encouraging signs. When young people are presented with substance, meaning, and a clear connection to their heritage, they respond with genuine interest.
Through the connection of education, culture, and dialogue, an environment is created in which they can participate in an authentic and meaningful way.
And the goal is not simply participation, but a sense of ownership.
TNH: Do you believe the parade can interest all of New York City, not just Greek Americans?
Lou Katsos: Absolutely – and to a large extent, this is already happening. The Greek Revolution was an international event that was followed worldwide. People from many countries actively participated, some even sacrificing their lives for Greek freedom.
In the United States, the 1820s were characterized by a period known as the ‘Greek Fever’, when thousands of Americans supported the Greek cause. This movement also influenced developments inside the U.S. such as the abolitionist movement and the women’s rights movement.
For this reason, the parade is not only Greek – it is also American and international. In a city like New York, this dimension can and should be fully highlighted.
TNH: Will you seek to continue next year?
Lou Katsos: At this moment, my focus is exclusively on this year’s parade, ensuring that it takes place with the dignity, unity, and quality it deserves.
What we demonstrated is that the parade can evolve into an institution that combines celebration with substance, and tradition with meaning.
Whether I will personally continue is a matter of process and community decision. What matters is that the level set this year is maintained and further developed – because ultimately, the Parade is not about one person. It is about the enduring presence and significance of Hellenism in America.
