[Anna Karayiannopoulou]: With a modest ceremony at the World War II memorial as well as other events in honor of those who fought against the Axis forces and of contemporary defenders of freedom, democracy, and human rights, the anniversary of the “Oxi” was celebrated by the namesake foundation here in Washington. The Oxi Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Washington, aims to raise awareness among US political leadership about the sacrifices made by the Greeks and their struggles against Nazi forces during World War II. Each year, the Foundation awards the Metropolitan Chrysostomos Award, honoring an American who with their actions serves the ideals of courage and selfless struggle demonstrated by the Greeks fighting the Axis forces. This year, the Foundation honored the head of the American Jewish Committee, David Harris, for his contribution to the fight against antisemitism, discrimination, and intolerance. In his statements to the Greek Service of the Voice of America, Mr. Harris referred to the challenges contemporary Greece faces from people who want to divide the country, and he described the Greek Parliament’s decision to cut state funding for Golden Dawn as particularly significant. [David Harris]: As Prime Minister Samaras stated, Golden Dawn is no longer a political party but a criminal organization and is treated as such. All its members are accused of violence, intimidation, and in at least one case, murder, so a clear line must be drawn. It’s no longer a matter of democracy, but criminal activity. We welcome the decision of the Greek parliament that said no to criminal activity and no to those who try to promote their goals through violence. [Anna Karayiannopoulou]: Additionally, at the World War II monument, the Oxi Day Foundation honored Greeks and Greek-Americans who fought against the Axis forces in 1940. Lieutenant General Konstantinos Korkas from Greece, who fought in the Battle of Crete, was honored with the Greatest Generation Award, as characterized in the United States, the generation of people who participated in World War II. The same award posthumously honored Greek-American Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Mill. American Congressman from Michigan and World War II veteran, John Dingell, the congressman with the longest career in the history of the American Congress, was also honored. The Deputy Secretary of Defense of the United States, Derek Chollet, mentioned the joint sacrifices of the American Armed Forces with the Greek army. [Derek Chollet]: Our relations with our European partners, and particularly with Greece, are of critical importance and we look forward to continuing this collaboration to achieve our common security goals. The three heroes honored today stand as a living example of our common struggles and sacrifices over decades. My generation is inspired by their significant generation. [Anna Karayiannopoulou]: The principles that inspired the Greeks to say no in 1940 to the Axis forces are the same ones that mobilized activists in other corners of the planet to fight for freedom and democracy in their own countries, such as the anti-corruption warrior in his homeland of Kenya, John Kithongo, and the human rights activist, Berta Soler, from Cuba, who were honored this year by the Oxi Day Foundation, recognizing international personalities like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and musician Bono, who referred to this very continuity of values that inspired the Greeks in 1940 and continue to be the driving force of contemporary fighters. The events for the anniversary of October 28, 1940, concluded with the traditional wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery. Anna Karayiannopoulou, VOA, Washington.