US Congressman Chris Pappas introduced a bipartisan resolution to officially designate October 28th as Oxi Day.
“On this day 82 years ago, the Greek people demonstrated unprecedented courage and determination in their refusal to bow to the Axis Powers. Decades later, we continue to recognize how this monumental decision shaped history,” said Congressman Pappas.
“As a proud Greek-American, I’m honored to lead this resolution to celebrate our Greek allies and our shared democratic values.”
The resolution has the support of the Washington Oxi Day Foundation, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA), the Daughters of Penelope, PSEKA, the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), and the American Hellenic Institute (AHI).
"Thank you, Congressman Chris Pappas, for highlighting Oxi Day for the Congress and the people of the United States. It is one of the most pivotal moments in modern history that changed the trajectory for all our lives," said Andy Manatos, Founder and President of the Washington Oxi Day Foundation.
"It is remarkable how little Greece, alone in the world, challenged ‘the German monster' that crushed 14 nations, including the strongest, and moved British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to later observe that without Greece's unthinkable courage Adolf Hitler might have won the war and his goal of world domination."
"AHEPA applauds and proudly supports the Oxi Day resolution introduced by Congressman Pappas with the bipartisan support of several Hellenic Caucus members,” said AHEPA Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas. “I commend their leadership to commemorate the anniversary of Oxi Day and to recognize the historical significance of Greece's role during World War II. Greece's denial of fascism set the tone and does not garner the attention it deserves in the annals of history.”
"The Daughters of Penelope sincerely appreciates Congressman Pappas' commitment to the proper recognition of Oxi Day with his sponsorship of a resolution to properly recognize the significance and legacy of Greece's defiant ‘No' to Axis Powers in the early stages of World War II,” said Daughters of Penelope Grand President Georgette Boulegeris. “We also thank and commend the bipartisan support of many Hellenic Caucus members who joined on the resolution as original co-sponsors. We proudly support the resolution."
“As we witnessed the invasion of Ukraine and reminded of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkey, we salute October 28th “OXI Day” that symbolizes the brave resistance of Greece against the invading forces of Mussolini and Hitler,” said Philip Christopher, President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA).
“From Ukraine to Iran – the spirit of OXI Day is pulsing through the veins of those fighting for freedom,” said Endy Zemenides, Executive Director, Hellenic American Leadership Council. “Thank you to Congressman Pappas for this reminder that the triumph of evil, no matter how the odds may temporarily stacked in its favor, is not inevitable. The Greeks resisted all odds 82 years ago, we can do that today.”
"Greece had a pivotal role in WWII and helped tilt the tide of the war against the axis powers. In fact, Greece helped give the allies its first victory against the axis powers," said Nick Larigakis, President, American Hellenic Institute. "However, Greece's place in history is not well known or understood. This is very unfortunate and needs to be remedied through education and the promotion of the issue. As such, I am glad that Congressman Pappas is bringing to light Greece's historical importance in World War II through a congressional Oxi Day resolution."
Congressman Pappas is the first member of Congress to introduce legislation recognizing Oxi Day. Pappas first introduced a bipartisan resolution designating October 28th as Oxi Day in 2019. He did so again in 2020 and 2021, each time with bipartisan support.
