Iowa Congressman speaks on House Floor about Oxi Day

NO. 62

WASHINGTON, DC —The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) commemorated the 79th anniversary of Oxi Day by hosting a Noon Forum with special guest presenter Harris Mylonas, Ph.D., associate professor of Political Science and International Affairs at The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs.

Professor Mylonas provided an overview of the size and scope of World War II, which involved more than 30 countries and discussed the role of smaller nations, such as Greece. Greece’s role was disproportionate to its size and perceived ability, Mylonas stated. In addition, Mylonas provided the historical backdrop of the events during the summer of 1940 that led up to Oxi Day. He also reviewed Greece’s military history during the war, including its defeat of Italy and the historic Battle of Crete. Ultimately, Greece was occupied and divided among Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria. Greeks suffered 400,000 casualties and Greece’s Jewish population was almost eliminated.

Finally, Mylonas examined the leadership qualities of Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, describing it as a “personalistic dictatorship.” Mylonas explained Metaxas’ initial intention to remain neutral due to a fear of a repeated national schism that occurred because of World War I. However, he realized that remaining neutral would lead to Greece paying a great price. Metaxas died at the height of rule in 1941, having successfully led a completely united Greece in the cause of being on the right side of history.

“We sincerely appreciated Professor Mylonas’ in-depth presentation about such an important day and time in the history of Greece,” President Larigakis said. “On the 79th anniversary of Oxi Day, we remember the heroism of the Greeks, led by Greece’s Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, who issued a defiant call against fascism. In a watershed moment, the Greeks demonstrated bravery, defeating Mussolini’s army and thereby altering the outcome of World War Two by forcing Hitler to change his strategy. World leaders from FDR to Churchill took notice, and the Greeks reinvigorated the will of others to fight the Axis powers.”

Larigakis added, “The brave actions of the Greeks also inspired the Greek American community to mobilize. The Greek American War Relief Association formed ten days after Mussolini’s attack on Greece.”

Iowa Congressman Commemorates Oxi Day

U.S. Representative Steve King (R-IA) presented remarks on the House Floor honoring and celebrating Oxi Day on October 30, 2019. With AHI’s encouragement, the Institute worked with Congressman King’s staff to help facilitate the congressman’s floor speech.

“We thank Congressman King for recognizing the significance of Oxi Day and the important contributions of Greece during World War Two,” President Larigakis said.

Learn More about Greece’s Role in WWII

In addition, the AHI Foundation has published books detailing Greece’s pivotal role in World War II. The First Victory: Greece in the Second World War by George C. Blytas, and published jointly with Cosmos Publishing, provides a sweeping account of the role Greece played during the Second World War. Greece’s seven-month resistance between 1940 and 1941 against the invading armies of Italy and Germany established the first Allied victory. AHIF also published Greece's Pivotal Role in World War II and its Importance to the U.S. Today which AHI Founder Eugene T. Rossides edited. General Andrew J. Goodpaster, USA (ret.), former Supreme Commander of NATO, wrote the introduction for this book.