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Danforth parade shows appreciation for freedom

Remembering Greek Independence Day is a way people can show appreciation for their freedom, said Andonis Artemakis, president of the Greek Community of Toronto, at the parade on Danforth Avenue on March 25.

“It’s a very important day for us as modern Greeks,” he said. “We hope to reflect and learn from the past and hopefully we’ll continue to be free for thousands of years to come.”

Under sunny skies, the parade passed thousands of spectators lining the sidewalks. The road was closed to traffic between Donlands and Broadview avenues.

After the parade, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the square that honours Alexander the Great at the corner of Logan Avenue.

Greek Independence Day wreath laying.
GREAT DAY: Zoe Zygotegos lays a wreath on behalf of youth at the Alexander the Great memorial in honour of Greek independence.

Joining in were Premier Kathleen Wynne and Mayor John Tory.

“Sometimes we forget about the price of independence that is paid and those who laid down their lives and sacrificed in order for the independence of countries to be achieved,” Tory said.

He said Greece forms a big part of Canada’s history “in terms of the very foundations of democracy.”

Greek revolutionaries carried on a nine-year war against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1830 to win Greek independence.