Reflections on Greek Independence
by Dionysios Dionou
This month Greeks around the world will be celebrating on March 25th, the anniversary of Greek Independence. After centuries of oppression at the hands of the Ottoman Turks, the Greek people were able to successfully revolt against their Muslim over lords. It would take nearly a decade of brutal fighting, until after centuries of living without a nation state, the Greek people, could achieve their dreams of an independent Greek nation. At long last the Greek people could openly cherish what was so dear to their hearts. Their culture, and faith, long maintained in secret could now be celebrated.
Most Greeks know the history of our struggle for independence. To detail it here, would be redundant. What is important is that we Greeks, in Greece, and in the diaspora continue to remember, and most importantly pass on to our future generations, Greek culture, the legacy of our homeland’s struggles, and faith. For as easily as it can be had, it can also be lost. I’m reflecting often these days, on a personal issue I will share with my readers. Last week my beautiful daughter Sophia at age fourteen, had her gallbladder removed. She had been in agony for some time, and the operation was imperative. Naturally as any loving father I was extremely concerned for her. Suffice to say, the operation was a complete success, and Sophia an MMA fighter is doing great. I’m naturally relived and thank God for hearing my many prayers. However, I learned something throughout this temporary crisis. What I have been reminded of once again, is that everything in life can be so fleeting, That even someone so strong, and so healthy, as Sophia can be easily struck down. Thank God in my situation temporarily. While this is on a personal level, on a larger level, it is to my way of thinking, the same with one’s cultural heritage. Often it is taken for granted, that it is here, and that it will last forever. It is this self satisfied, attitude that we must always be on guard against. For if we take our heritage, culture, and faith for granted, if we do not cherish it and preserve it, we can surly loose it. Just as even a beautiful, very strong fourteen year old girl, can be stricken, so can a nation and a people be stricken too. As we near March 25th, we all should reflect on this, and realize that it is up to us to preserve, and pass on our cultural heritage, and faith to the next generation. We are the heirs of our exceptional ancestors, who so many years ago determined that the Greek people would live in freedom, and independence.The torch of liberty has been been passed, to all of us, from generation to generation. May we keep it burning forever.
Dionysios Dionou is the vice president of AHEPA chapter 170. He was born in Greece, and raised in the Untied States. A former college adjunct lecturer, turned business man. Dionysi is also a part time actor, and can be seen in both film and TV. Recently he has established his own production company, for writing and screen plays. His memoir of his life and travels, will be released this month. He is president of the Solon Society, the oldest Hellenic Historical and Cultural Society. When not writing or lecturing Dionysi trains in MMA, and he holds a blue belt in Muay Thai kick boxing, and Brazilian jiu jitsu.