AHI Executive Director Visits Florida To Take Part In Greek Independence Day Celebrations

AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis traveled to Florida to participate in Greek Independence Day celebrations that were held in Tarpon Springs on March 17-18, 2001. Mr. Larigakis was invited to be one of the honorary grand marshals of the parade in which Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Grigoris Niotis served as the grand marshall. The parade was attended by thousands of Greek and Cypriot Americans from throughout Florida. Helping to organize the parade was AHI member George Marmelas, along with his partners from the Greek Voice radio program in Tarpon Springs.

Mr. Larigakis continued his travels to Florida by visiting Naples, Miami, and Boca Raton. In Naples, Mr. Larigakis attended a reception organized by Mr. Thomas Kyrus and the Men’s Club of St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church of Naples. In Miami, Mr. Timos Zavitsianos, President of the AHI Miami chapter, organized a dinner for Mr. Larigakis that was attended by AHI members from the Miami area. Mr. Larigakis concluded his Florida trip by attending a wine and cheese reception in Boca Raton at the lovely home of longtime AHI members Mr. and Mrs. Lou Nicozisis.

Mr. Larigakis' trip to Florida allowed him to discuss the recent activities of the AHI and to outline the AHI's public policy statements and activities for the remainder of 2001. Florida remains a vital branch of the Greek-American community, and Mr. Larigakis' trip strengthened the connection between AHI and its Florida members.