The American Legion Hellenic Post 343 honored our nation’s fallen heroes this past Memorial Day, at the site of the Hellenic American Veterans Memorial at Elmwood Cemetery in River Grove, Ill.
A. Steve Betzelos, Chairman of the Hellenic American Veterans Memorial Committee paid tribute to our military. In his remarks, he stated, “Memorial Day, is a day to commemorate the fallen. We honor all military service members and at this monument, we raise our hand in honor and memory of those of Hellenic heritage who served the United States in times of war and peace. We are presenting at this solemn occasion the erection of this beautiful monument to document and preserve for posterity, in an impressive and everlasting manner, the contribution of Hellenic descendants to the cause of freedom.”
“Freedom and democracy are Hellenic principles created by our ancestors, adopted by our country and defended by our people. The memorial will document the contribution of our people to the defense of our country and the preservation of the Hellenic principles upon which it was founded,” he continued.
Betzelos also spoke further about the memorial being constructed at the cemetery. “The basis of this memorial stems from the realization that the love of freedom and the courage to fight and even die for it is as much a part of Hellenism as any other trait our ancestors gave to Western civilization. The contribution of our people to the Freedom of America is consistent with this trait and is an important part of Greek-American history. Our memorial will document this contribution in a fitting manner and serve as an everlasting reminder, for all to see. In years to come, those who visit our memorial will be proud to find a name of a parent or grandparent or other family members, recorded with others who have served our country and contributed to our Freedom.”
The memorial service concluded with the playing of “Taps.”
The Hellenic American Veterans Memorial will be officially dedicated on Independence Day, July 4.
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