— October 24-25 in Washington, DC —

WASHINGTON, DC, October 14, 2013 — Don’t miss out on events that attendees last year called “truly inspiring,” “unforgettable” and “one of my favorite events of the year.”

Join us on October 24 and 25 in Washington, DC for the Third Annual Washington Oxi Day Celebration as we:

1. Remind the world of the day Greece refused to surrender, inflicting a fatal wound that brought down Hitler’s Axis Forces in WWII; and
2. Recognize modern day heroes who exemplify the David vs. Goliath Oxi Day Spirit by courageously fighting for freedom and democracy around the world.

PLEASE NOTE — ALL OF THESE EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE EVEN IF THE GOVERNMENT IS STILL SHUT DOWN ON OCTOBER 24

Thursday, October 24, 2013

10:30 am: Presentation of the Metropolitan Chrysostomos Award to American Jewish Committee Executive Director David Harris

[U.S. Capitol Building, room HVC-201]

Speakers:

• Former US Ambassador to Greece Tom Miller (introducing Harris)
• Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen of the Hellenic-Israeli Congressional Caucus (CHIA) — Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Ted Deutch (D-FL), Ranking Member, House Middle East Subcommittee

Due to the generosity of our sponsors, tickets are FREE, but for security purposes participants MUST register by emailing RSVP@oxidayfoundation.org. [Please indicate event you are replying for.]

Join members of the Jewish and Greek communities at this event highlighting the extraordinary courage shown by Greeks to protect the Jewish community in Greece and honoring American Jewish Committee Director David Harris for his lifelong contribution to fighting anti-Semitism, discrimination and intolerance.

View photos and videos from the 2012 event and 2011 event.

 

2:30 pm: Presentation of the Greatest Generation Awards to WWII Veterans

[National World War II Memorial (17th Street, NW btw. Constitution & Independence Aves.)]

Honoring:

• American WWII Veteran and longest-serving member of Congress in US history, John Dingell
• Greek-American WWII Veteran Christopher Mehiel (posthumously accepted by Dennis and Celeste Mehiel)
  • Introduced by former Senator Paul Sarbanes
• Greek WWII Veteran and four-star general, Konstantinos Korkas
  • Introduced by Greek Embassy Defense Attache Colonel Evangelos Papadopoulos

Keynote address: Jim Chanos

Due to the generosity of our sponsors, tickets are FREE, but for security purposes participants MUST register by emailing RSVP@oxidayfoundation.org. [Please indicate event you are replying for.]

Join us for a very moving ceremony that commemorates Greece’s contributions to the Allied victory in WWII and honors three World War II veterans: an American, a Greek and a Greek-American

View photos and videos from the 2012 event and 2011 event.

 

6:30 pm: Cocktails

7:30 pm: Black Tie Gala and Presentation of the Oxi Day Awards

[Organization of American States Building, Constitution Avenue & 17th Street, NW]

Honorees:

• Oxi Day Award Recipient: John Githongo
  • Introduced by world-renowned musician and human rights activist, Bono (via video)
  • Remarks by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
  • Remarks by former US Ambassador to Hungary Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis
• Oxi Day Battle of Crete Award Recipient: Berta Soler
  • Introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Senator Bob Menendez
  • Remarks by Senator Marco Rubio

Special performance by Steinway Concert Artist, pianist Lara Downes, playing pieces of exiled composers

Tickets are available for purchase here.

Join us as we commemorate Greece’s contribution to saving democracy during WWII and celebrate modern heroes of freedom and democracy who carry on the “Oxi Day Spirit.”

View photos and videos from the 2012 event and 2011 event.

 

Friday, October 25, 2013

12:00 noon: Wreath Laying Ceremony

[Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknowns]

Join us as we lay an “Oxi Day” wreath in honor of those who died defending freedom and democracy during World War II.

View photos and videos from the 2012 event and 2011 event.

What attendees said about last year’s celebration:

“I loved every minute of it and was honored to be there.” — Senior Obama Administration official

“It was a remarkable week….I commend your work to keep the “Oxi Day Flame” alive, honoring those that fight for human rights today.” — Assistant Secretary of Defense

“One of my favorite events of the year” — CNN Executive producer

“A lovely affair with wonderful honorees and a truly inspiring narrative throughout” — Director at one of the top Jewish community organizations in the country

“I am honored and privileged to be a part of this event…I leave inspired, rejuvenated, and more appreciative of our Greek heritage and the courageous efforts of those whom we honor for embodying the spirit of Oxi Day.” — Oxi Day Foundation Sponsor

Click here to read more reactions to last year’s celebration.

For more information about the Washington Oxi Day Foundation, visit www.oxidayfoundation.org