Press Releases 2009
Americans Celebrate Barack Obama’s Inauguration in Athens and Thessaloniki
Athens (January 21, 2009) -- Hundreds came to the American Community School of Athens Arts Center to watch CNN’s live broadcast of the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on January 20. Ambassador Speckhard and Greek Minister of Tourism Markopoulos spoke at the multi-faceted celebration, which included an art exhibit and letters to the new U.S. leadership from students. The event was co-organized by Democrats Abroad Greece. Representing Republicans Abroad was its President, Katerina Papathanassiou, who was warmly welcomed to the non-partisan evening by Democrats Abroad President Beth Hondros. The U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki also celebrated, with AHEPA and Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos.
“We are living history -- and what better place to be on this occasion than Greece? For without the gift of democracy, today’s events would be unimaginable,” Ambassador Speckhard said. “At a difficult time, President Obama has renewed our hope in the future and given us a sense that working together -- across political, generational, ethnic, racial and national lines -- we can overcome the challenges we are facing.”
Minister of Tourism Kostas Markopoulos spoke for the government of Greece, noting that: “They say that when there is a big change in the United States, there is a big change all over the planet. This change, which the citizens of the United States have chosen, indeed has highlighted hidden values and high expectations Europe, and Greece. This great change is a good opportunity for the very good relations between the United States and Greece to get even better. The United States has offered much to world peace, democracy, and facing terrorism. And we have always stood with you. So we are investing in this great change, as are the citizens and inhabitants of the entire world, who expect all of us to bring about better days. Good luck, President Obama.”
Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs Theodoros Kassimis and Miltiadis Varvitsiotis were also present at the Athens event, along with Athens Prefect Giannis Sgouros, representing the opposition PASOK party. Mayor of Halandri Gregorios Zafeiropoulos and several other local dignitaries, plus members of the diplomatic corps, attended these festivities.
In Thessaloniki, Consul General Hoyt Yee welcomed members of the American Hellenic Progressive Association (AHEPA) some 70 guests, including Mayor of Thessaloniki Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, to a celebration at the U.S. Consulate General.
The full text of the Ambassador’s remarks and other information about the inauguration is available at http://athens.usembassy.gov and http://thessaloniki.usconsulate.gov.