Some of the most prominent figures of the Greek-American community gathered at one of New York’s most historic private social clubs on Wednesday afternoon for a special event.

For the fourth consecutive year, a total of 28 Greek-American organizations hosted the annual “Oli Mazi” (All Together) luncheon in honor of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. There, at the Union League Club, on the corner of Park Avenue and 37th Street, the Greek prime minister presented five honorary medals to members of the diaspora for their outstanding contribution to Greece.

“This gathering gives us the opportunity to reaffirm the bonds and commitments between the motherland and the remarkable Greek diaspora, and the chance to honor distinguished Greek-Americans who have always kept Greece in their hearts and have always stood by us,” Mitsotakis said.

Businessman John Catsimatidis opened the event, speaking about his relationship with the late Konstantinos Mitsotakis, recalling how the two had once arranged for Frank Sinatra to visit Greece. He congratulated the prime minister on the country’s progress, noting that US President Donald Trump had done the same just the previous day.

The evening continued with the awarding of the honorees from the Greek-American community in the United States. Among them was Nick Mitropoulos, who passed away earlier this month after a long and influential career in the Boston political scene.

“We are very proud and grateful to everyone who helped make it possible for our father to receive this medal; we wish he were here,” said his daughter, Alexandra Mitropoulos, who accepted the award with her sister, Arielle.

Wearing a tie decorated with Greek flags and a blue-and-white shirt, investigative journalist and bestselling author Nicholas Gage said it was a great honor to be recognized by one’s homeland.

“When I left our village at the age of nine, my mother asked me to cast a black stone behind me. It is the only promise I made to her that I did not keep,” he told Kathimerini and later repeated from the podium – perhaps the most moving moment of the event. His deep ties to Greece, he added, are not only because of the country’s beauty, but also because of the Greek people themselves, who, he is certain, will continue to inspire the world whether they live in Greece or abroad.

Investor and entrepreneur Dean Metropoulos spoke about his family’s sacrifices and his own journey, which at age 10 took him from a small village in Arcadia in the northern Peloponnese to the United States. He said he feels deeply American, but his roots – the roots that unite everyone present – are always Greek.

“I feel very proud,” businessman John Calamos told Kathimerini, “proud of this award and of the excellent work the prime minister is doing.”

The audience gave a standing ovation to Paulette Poulos, executive director of Leadership 100, who for many years was director of Archbishop Iakovos’ office. “I hope this award serves as an example for other women, young and old, that we can serve the Church and our homeland by giving what we can and by being the best version of ourselves,” she told Kathimerini.

Mike Manatos, executive director of The Hellenic Initiative, who organized and coordinated the event, said everyone was delighted both by the prime minister’s presence and by the chance to honor Greece. “All of us here,” he said, “are immensely proud of Greece.”

Source: Ekathimerini.com