WASHINGTON, DC, December 4, 2020 – Over the course of the Washington Oxi Day Foundation‘s first ten years, we have shown a spotlight on modern day heroes who exhibit remarkable courage reminiscent of the kind displayed by the Greek people during World War II.
This year, in the midst of a global pandemic, the spirit of #OXIcourage rings even more true.
On October 28, the 80th anniversary of the “OXI” heard around the world, the Foundation’s 10th Annual Oxi Courage and Service Awards featured remarks by the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis said, “80 years ago, Greece delivered the famous Oxi, or no, to the Axis. That single, powerful rallying call helped unite the Greek people and drove their determination to fight for what they held most sacred, their freedom. Today, we are called on to remember that historic day, October 28th, 1940, and pay tribute to those who turned Oxi into action on the field of battle and gave their lives in the line of duty. The anniversary gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect collectively on this heroic defining moment, a moment when without any second thoughts, our nation chose freedom over totalitarianism.”
The Prime Minister continued, “The John Lewis legacy, immense as it is, has not been confined to the United States. It is universal. As to the doctors who sacrifice themselves to save the lives with their patients during our most recent global struggle, this terrible pandemic, well their courage and sense of duty is an example to us all.”
To view the Prime Minister’s remarks in their entirety, please click here.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis was introduced by the Chairman and CEO of Metropoulos & Company, Dean Metropoulos.
Metropoulos noted, “In addition to Greece’s intellectual and scientific contributions to the world, the nation has fought throughout the centuries with great sacrifice to preserve the ideals that we have inherited against tyrants and empires such as the Persian empire that was defeated 2,500 years ago in Thermopylae and Salamis, as well as the German forces during World War II.”
Metropoulos continued, “in a recent visit by the Secretary of State [Mike] Pompeo to Greece, he was quoted to say, ‘We the Americans look to Greece as a true pillar of stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and we’re very proud to support the leadership.'”
To view Dean Metropoulos’ remarks in their entirety, please click here.
The Foundation was also thrilled to feature the granddaughter of Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, Ioanna Phoca, who spoke from the exact spot of the famous “OXI!” 80 years later to the day.
She said, “On behalf of Ioannis Metaxas’ family, thank you, Washington Oxi Day Foundation for all you do to celebrate courage past and present.”
To gain inspiration from those famous steps and view her remarks, please click here.
Prime Minister Metaxas’ granddaughter was introduced by Co-Founder and Managing Partner of KPS Capital Partners, LP, Michael Psaros.
Psaros noted, “We all congratulate today’s honorees, including the brave men and women who served their countries with honor and distinction during World War II. They fought and died not just for their countries, but also for an idea that was created over two and a half thousand years ago in ancient Greece. The idea of the primacy of the individual in society, of free will, of free choice, of free expression, of free action, liberty, eleftheria, an idea that rejects tyranny and oppression. Oxi Day is an epic event in the continuum of two and a half thousand years of Greeks proclaiming oxi, and thus inspiring the world. Greeks again and again endured Wars and conflicts in defense of liberty.”
He concluded by saying, “When Prime Minister Metaxas said ‘OXI’, and was heard around the world, he joined the Pantheon of Greek heroes.”
To view Michael Psaros’ remarks in their entirety, please click here.