Press Releases

AHI Commemorates 70th Anniversary of OXI Day with Book Signings in Atlanta, Chicago

Hundreds Come Out to Meet “The First Victory” Author George Blytas

WASHINGTON, DC —The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted two book signing receptions featuring George C. Blytas, author of “The First Victory: Greece in the Second World War,” in Atlanta, October 27, 2010, and in Chicago, October 29, 2010.  The book signing receptions were held in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of OXI Day.

In Atlanta, more than 125 persons braved monsoon-like conditions to attend the event, which was held at, and in cooperation with, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation and organized with the help of Dr. Victor Polizos.  In Chicago, the event was held under the auspices of The World Council of Hellenes Abroad USA Region (SAE-USA) at the National Hellenic Museum.  AHI Foundation Board Member and SAE-USA President Ted Spyropoulos sponsored the book signing.

“We were thrilled to host Author George Blytas, who discussed the significant role Greece played in World War Two, and specifically, her heroic action of October 28, 1940 and its impact on the balance of the war,” said Executive Director Nick Larigakis.  “We commend George for keeping the contributions of Greece during the war alive in the annals of history and in the public eye by writing this riveting book.  We sincerely thank Dr. Victor Polizos and AHIF Board Member Ted Spyropoulos for their dedicated commitment that helped make each of the events a tremendous success.”

Blytas explained about OXI Day, “…after rapid incursion of about 15 miles into Epirus, three Italian divisions were stopped by the artillery of Division A which at that time was only 60 percent mobilized. In the course of the week-long battle that followed the Italian divisions were badly hurt.”

Copies of “The First Victory” are available for sale from AHI.

The American Hellenic Institute is a non-profit Greek American public policy center that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and within the Greek American community.

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For additional information, please contact Nick Larigakis at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at https://www.ahiworld.org.