O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION c v www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 10, ISSUE 516 September 1, 2007 $1.00 : 1.75 EURO Flames of Epic Destruction Kill Over 60, Ravage Greek Countryside With Wild Contained, the Focus Now is on the Relief Effort

By Nicholas Paphitis Associated Press

ATHENS (AP) – In six hot, windy days of uncontrolled blazes, Greece lost more of its rapidly dwindling forestland than in any single year on record. The massive fires, several still raging at press time, have killed at least 64 people and gutted hun- dreds of homes in scores of south- ern villages. The inferno also destroyed frag- ile ecosystems, which will require decades to revive, and an entire rural way of life, threaten- ing to turn thousands of village res- idents into environmental refugees. The department has not an- nounced an overall damage assess- ment, but independent estimates say around 200,000 hectares (495,000 acres) of forest, olive AP/PETROS GIANNAKOURIS groves and shrub land may have Angeliki Skoutsouris mourns the been consumed – the largest loss of her house in the small vil- amount since official records start- lage of Livadaki, about 350 kilo- ed in the 1950's. meters southwest of . "These fires are worse than in AP/NASA any previous year," said Gabriel About 20 percent of Greece is Tragedy viewed from the heavens Xanthopoulos, a researcher at covered by forest, and the figure Greece's National Agricultural Re- has been constantly dropping in re- Fires in Greece are seen from space in this image released by NASA last Saturday, August 25. Flames pushed by gale-force winds tore through search Foundation. "We exceeded cent decades. more parched forests, swallowed villages and scorched the Hellenic countryside this past week, with ashes raining onto the Acropolis. The the last record set in 2000," about Haralambidis said the massive death toll hit 64 as the Greek Government declared a nationwide state of emergency. 145,000 hectares (360,000 acres). fires ravaged fragile ecosystems in Up to 184,000 hectares the Peloponnesian peninsula and (455,000 acres) were laid waste caused severe ecological damage in between August 24th and 27th – the , now facing the ten times the annual average for threat of floods and landslides in Greek Americans Mobilize to Help Wild Fire Victims the past 50 years, according to the inhabited areas. European Commission's European "Mount Taygetos in the southern By Mark Frangos and contacted since the first fires in June come even more important with this State Department and the Greek Em- Forest Fire Information System. A , particularly as far as Dimitri Soultogiannis and July, but especially now, will year’s unprecedented number of bassy in Washington, and has initiat- total of 269,000 hectares (665,000 plant life is concerned, is Greece's Special to the National Herald heed our calls because it will take fires. ed a “Care Package Drive” asking its acres) – an area almost the size of diamond, where many species Greece a long time to recover from “We started this program, in the chapters to make a minimum of four Rhode Island – went up in smoke grow that do not exist anywhere NEW YORK – Hellenic organizations this catastrophe.” mid-90’s to help reforest Greece after boxes consisting of pillows, blankets, since the start of the year. else in the world," he said. from across the are try- SAE is pushing its longstanding fires, but there were never this many sleeping bags, towels, hand soap, di- Some say it was the worst cata- "Mount Parnon (to the east) is – ing to find ways to help Greece and “Plant Your Roots in Greece” pro- fires all at once,” Mr. Spyropoulos apers, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, strophe since a Turkish army rav- or rather was – a paradise, while the Greek people get through the cur- gram, which is dedicated to reforest- said. “We have done over 25 refor- children’s clothing, men’s and aged the Peloponnese in 1825, dur- the Kaiafas forest was one of the rent crisis, with the World Council ing areas affected by fire throughout estations, but there is so much need women’s socks, underwear and ing the Greek War of Independence last remaining vestiges of a huge For Hellenes Abroad (SAE) and the country. The organization first in the country right now. We have shoes. The Red Cross is expected to from the . forest of stone pines that once cov- AHEPA leading the way. generally just accepted donations sent more than $250,000 in individ- deliver these packages to Greece over "Nobody can provide an accu- ered all of the western Pelopon- “We are extremely sad and moved and began replanting forests in small ual donations, and 100 percent of the the coming days. rate figure right now, and several nese." by the catastrophe in Greece,” SAE doses, mostly in the Attiki area of money we collect goes to this cause.” “These packages include necessi- fires are still burning ... It's a record Haralambidis said these forests U.S. Regional Coordinator Ted G. Greece, but as the program has CARE PACKAGE DRIVE ties people need right now,” said year in that sense," said Green will take decades to revive natural- Spyropoulos told the National Her- evolved, people are now planting AHEPA is also making efforts to AHEPA Supreme President Ike Gulas, Peace Greece Director Nicos Har- ly, "provided we leave them alone." ald. “We hope members of the Greek trees in memory of loved ones, or as help Greece. The organization is in alambidis. "But, quite frankly, no American community that we have gifts to individuals. Now it has be- constant communication with the Continued on page 7 one cares." Continued on page 9 Christodoulos Victims Are Discusses his Life at Frustrated By Hospital before Vital Surgery Slow Response

By Theodore Kalmoukos tionally renowned surgeon An- By Vasilis Koutsilas Special to The National Herald dreas Tzakis, director of the Uni- Special to The National Herald versity of Miami/Jackson Memorial BOSTON – Everything is set for the Medical Center, a leading medical EVIA, Greece – Even Dante, the fa- life-saving liver transplant Arch- center for organ transplants. mous author of Inferno (Part I of the Christodoulos of Athens & Christodoulos has already com- Divine Comedy), would have had a All Greece will undergo in Miami, pleted pre-operative tests this past difficult time describing the hellish Florida at the hands the interna- August 21-22, and based on the en- scene from the forest fires which couraging results, the ailing prelate struck southern Evia, in the area was given the green light, officially around Aliveri. placing him on the waiting list for a The gray smoke, falling ashes liver transplant, as previously re- and scorched land, all of which per- ported by the National Herald. meated the air with a dreadful The Untold Now, all that remains is for the smell, made the disaster scene com- all-important phone call to come in plete. As the fertile terrain became Saga of Col. announcing that a matching liver ember, pain, sorrow and despair has been found for the dynamic hi- were everywhere. It’s difficult to erarch. The Archbishop remains in think of what to mention first. Five Lucas Miller good spirits, and said he is opti- people lost their lives trying to put mistic that everything will turn out out the fire. There are still persons fine. who are reported missing and fami- By Steve Frangos Speaking to the Herald from Mi- lies who lost all of their earthly pos- Special to The National Herald ami, Christodoulos said, “I came sessions. All the natural wealth of here with great faith in God, belief the region was transformed into a Lucas Miltiades Miller, born in Li- in people, and love for life. From grim landscape in just a few short vadia, Greece on September 15, the first moment I decided to fight, hours. 1824. He was the first American of and with God’s help, I will prevail. I Each one of these depressing Greek descent to serve in the United have been a fighter my entire life. I AP/PETROS GIANNAKOURIS products of the same disastrous fire States Congress. He was elected as a promised myself that I would come Fire burns on the Hill of Kronos next to the site of ancient Olympia, birthplace of the , in lead to a common reaction among Democrat to the 52nd Congress as a out of this a winner, as well. The southwestern Greece last Sunday, August 26. A massive effort by firefighters, assisted by water-dropping the residents; wrath and anger over U.S. representative from love I received from people in aircraft and fire trucks, succeeded in keeping a raging blaze away from the 2,800-year-old site. the lack of coordination by the Fire serving from March 4, 1891 until Greece and the community here in Department. March 3, 1893. He was brought to America contributed greatly to my Up until this past Monday after- the United States in 1828 by decision (to seek treatment). I want noon, August 27, the situation in Jonathan Peckham Miller, an Ameri- to take this opportunity to yet again Evia – Greece’s second largest island can Philhellene who had traveled to express my warmest thanks to His Hopelessness Reigns in Fire Struck Areas next to Crete – was still extremely Greece to distribute aid and other- All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch difficult. wise join in the Greek struggle for Bartholomew of , By Yannis Sofianos now ashes. flames have still not died out, and The authorities ordered the evac- independence. who has been standing alongside Special to The National Herald Dozens of villages were left until this past Monday, August 27, uation of six villages, with Setta and Few Greek Americans today real- me with brotherly love right from without electricity, and people with in most instances, many of the fires Marmari running the greatest risk ize that Lucas Miller was far from a the beginning of my hardship; to ZAHARO, Greece – Grief. Indigna- respiratory problems were left were still raging uncontrollably. from the ominous fire. Residents of unique individual. His life’s story, Their Eminences Archbishop tion. Hopelessness. Exhaustion. gasping in the wake of this biblical The results are disastrous. Ano Styra, who were forced to leave along those of other notable Greek Demetrios of America and Metro- These are the feelings that prevail disaster. Even the term, “Greek Dozens of lives were unjustly lost, their homes, told news crews on immigrants who first arrived in the politan Alexios of Atlanta, who wel- among the majority of the residents tragedy,” which so many foreign and many people are still missing. Monday morning that the fire was 1821 to 1830 era, was commonly re- comed me to Florida and showed of the once lush, but now charred, news agencies choose to describe a Houses were burned to the ground. headed from Styra to Kapsala and ported upon in the daily press. Curi- me their love, placing every possi- Western Peloponnese after destruc- desolate scene, can not accurately Animals and automobiles were lost Marmari (about 6 miles from the ously, Greek American historical ac- ble service at my disposal; as well tive fires ravaged the entire area. describe the extent of the recent among the flames. coastal town of ). counts mention these early Greek as to our diplomatic corps and the “We’re burned! We are not talk- decimation. Firefighters, special forces units, The fire was also raging at Miso- Greek American people, who con- ing about 99 percent destruction, Where there were once pic- police, volunteers and everyday cit- chori, Styra, Aliveri, Mistros, Theol- Continued on page 3 tinue to show me their good will, but 100 percent! We have mourned turesque forests, greenery and cul- izens selflessly threw themselves ogos in Eretria, Androgianni and Ky- support me and leave me touched for most of the victims. Homes and tivated lands, there is now an end- into battle with the gigantic flames, mi. To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 every day through their phone millions of trees were burned. En- less black and white image of ashes but it was clear who the winner The blazes raging in recent days e-mail: calls, visits, letters and offers to tire properties were lost,” residents and ember. The suffocating smoke- was. Aided by gale-force winds have caused inestimable damage to [email protected] help.” told the National Herald in the af- filled atmosphere barely resembles which were blowing for days, the the municipalities of central and The Archbishop’s recent trial has termath of watching everything the cool, airy Peloponnesian heart- fires rapidly spread throughout the south Evia in the municipalities of helped him see certain things – like they spent a lifetime working for land. Western Peloponnesos was entire region. Dirfys, Styra, Konistras, Tamynaioi the meaning of pain and suffering – burn to a crisp in just a few fleeting the hardest hit – at least in terms of Leaving Athens behind, nearing and Amarynthos. from a different point of view. Com- hours. All that nature had created, human casualties. It is virtually im- the 20th mile on the Athens- This past Monday, the fire threat- *090107* and so generously graced the fruit- possible to provide a complete pic- Continued on page 3 ful land of the Peloponnese with, is ture of the destruction, since the Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 Archbishop Calls for Contributions to Fire Relief Fund GOINGS ON... ■ THROUGH AUGUST nence Metropolitan Gerasimos and His Eminence Archbishop In addition, at the conclusion of ATHENS – The Synthesis Media the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Demetrios, of the Greek the Divine Liturgy, a special memo- Company cordially invites the com- San Francisco cordially invite the Orthodox Church in America, re- rial service should be held for all munity to “The Apology,” a new play community to a golf tournament in leased an encyclical calling on the those who have lost their lives as a based on Plato’s original dialogue memory of the late Metropolitan Greek Orthodox faithful of America result of the fires. It is also request- and translated into English, re-en- Anthony on September 21-22 at to make a special contribution this ed that our parishes take a special acting Socrates’ defense in the Court Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm coming Sunday, September 2 (or collection on this Sunday, Septem- of Athens before he took hemlock, Desert (38995 Desert Willow Dri- next Sunday, September 9), to the ber 2 or on Sunday, September 9 to for two performances daily in July ve). Weekend events begin on Fri- victims of the immensely destruc- assist with the efforts to bring com- and August in Athens (Scholiou 8, day, September 21, with an evening tive fire tragedies in Greece this fort, aid and hope to those whose Plaka, entrance from Adrianou pairing reception and silent auc- past summer. The text of the Arch- communities and homes have been 122). Starring Emmy award winner tion, and continue on Saturday, bishop’s encyclical follows: destroyed. All collections, either Yannis Simonides; directed by September 22, with the Golf Tour- Special Encyclical for Prayers from parishes or individuals, Broadway veteran Loukas Skipi- nament, followed by an evening and Relief Aid for the Victims and should be sent to the Archdiocese taris; costumes by Oscar and Tony Tournament Awards Dinner-Dance. Survivors of the Tragic Fires in and designated for the “Greek Fire winner Theoni Vahliotes-Aldredge; Foursomes, individual golfers and a Greece (Protocol Number 111/07 – Relief Fund.” and percussive support by Caryn variety of sponsorships are still August 27, 2007). Our prayers and our gifts of love Heilman; fresh translation by Mr. Si- available. Tournament registration To the clergy and the faithful of will assist those in need, and will monides & Mr. Skipitaris. Perfor- deadline is September 1. Individual the Holy Archdiocese of America. also be a witness of the strong mances begin at 8:30 PM and 10:30 golf packages are only $250 per Beloved brothers and sisters in bonds of Faith and heritage that we PM daily. Duration is approximately person, and include green and cart Christ, I am writing to you on be- share with the people of Greece, es- 80 minutes. Tickets are 10, 12 or 15 fees, registration gift bag, lunch half of the Eparchial Synod of the pecially in this time of tragedy. euro. For more info contact Eirini and the dinner-dance. Hole Spon- Holy Archdiocese of America con- As our good and gracious Lord is Polydorou in Athens: 011-30-694- sors are $1,000 and include golf for cerning a tragic event. merciful, may we offer our love and 907-9175 or 011-30-210-360-0410. two, tickets for golfers and guests Over the past few days, we have gifts to our brothers and sisters. to the dinner-dance, plus a person- shared great concern and sorrow Knowing the boundless generosity ■ SEPTEMBER 1-3 alized tee sign. Special events and with the people of Greece and the and love of you, the faithful of ORANGE, Conn. – Saint Barbara activities are also being planned for leaders of the Hellenic Republic re- America, we are confident that you Greek Orthodox Church cordially spouses and guests during the tour- garding the devastating fires which will respond most generously to invites the community to its 27th an- nament. A substantial portion of continue to threaten people and this appeal to help those people nual Odyssey: A Greek Festival on the proceeds from this event will their homes. This tragedy has al- who have lost loved ones, their Saturday-Monday, September 1-3 at benefit all Metropolis ministries, ready taken dozens of lives and de- homes and their livelihoods, and the church (480 Racebrook Road). It including the Family Wellness Cen- stroyed communities in the areas of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America who will need our assistance both is one of Connecticut’s largest Greek ter. The remaining proceeds will go Peloponnesos and Evia, and has re- on a short- and long-term basis to festivals, held on 13 country acres in to the Desert Cancer Foundation ceived international attention and surviving families of this catastro- the parishes of our Holy Archdio- recover from this devastating Orange. Featuring homemade and Saint George Church in Palm offers of assistance. phe with the hope that favorable cese to offer petitions for the safety tragedy. Greek cuisine, pastry and imports; Desert. For more information, con- As Greek Orthodox faithful in conditions for life and peace will and comfort of all those affected by With paternal love in Christ, live music with dance performances tact the church at 760-568-9901. America we must continue to offer soon be restored. Therefore, on the fires, and for the rapid end of †DEMETRIOS by the Odyssey dancers; a giant raf- fervent prayers for the victims and Sunday, September 2, we ask all of fires and acts of arson. Archbishop of America fle; tours and lectures of the church; ■ SEPTEMBER 30 and much more. For more informa- CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland tion, call 203-795-1347. Museum of Art (CMA) cordially in- vites the community to the annual SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Annun- “John and Helen Collis Lecture,” ciation Church cordially invites the featuring a lecture by Dr. Robert S. community to its 44th Annual Fes- Nelson, Robert Lehman Professor tival on Saturday-Sunday, Septem- of the History of Art, Yale Universi- ber 1-2, at the Sacramento Com- ty entitled “The Light of at St. munity Center (1400 J Street). Catherine’s Monastery, Mt. Sinai, Come enjoy new menu items, live Egypt” at The Cleveland Museum music and plenty of happy people of Art (11150 East Boulevard) on on Labor Day weekend. For more Sunday, September 20, at 2 PM. information, call 916-443-2033. Professor Nelson is a leading au- thority on and archi- ■ SEPTEMBER 13 tecture and the author of numerous CHICAGO – The Hellenic Museum publications. His latest work, Ha- and Cultural Center cordially invites gia Sophia, 1850-1950, asks how the community to “A Night in the the famous cathedral of Constan- Kouzina,” a tasting event of signa- tinople came to be regarded as one ture dishes from some of the most of the great monuments of world popular and famous chefs in Chicago architecture. He recently curated on Thursday, September 13, at the an important exhibition of Byzan- Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston tine icons from the monastery of Bradley Hall (78 East Washington Saint Catherine on Mt. Sinai titled Street). Times: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Holy Image, Hallowed Ground for The Event is being held in conjunc- the Paul J. Getty Museum in Los tion with the Hellenic Museum’s cur- Angeles. For more information, call rent exhibit “Nourishing Culture” 888-262-0033. which focuses on the role food played in the life of Greek immi- ■ OCTOBER 5-11 grants and in the evolution of the NEW YORK – The National Philop- Greek American community in tochos Society cordially invites the Chicago. The event is sponsored by community to the Philoptochos Pil- Diamond Importers, who will host a grimage to Constantinople, a his- wine station, which will feature a toric pilgrimage featuring a private wide array of Greek wines for sam- audience with His All Holiness Ecu- pling. The popular website Daily menical Patriarch Bartholomew Frappe will host a frappe coffee sta- and visits to , Baloukli CHICAGO TRIBUNE/JOHN SMIERCIAK tion at the event while those opting Monastery, the Church of Chora Frank Manta, reflected in the black granite memorial to 161 children who died between 1915 and 1930, tracked down the names of scores of children. for harder tastes can sample a drink and other sacred sites. The pilgrim- from the booth hosted by Greek spir- age is open to all Philoptochos it maker Metaxa. Grecian Delight members (and their spouses) and Foods is also a sponsor of the event. will include an optional visit to Featured Chefs for the night include: Cappadocia on Thursday, October Chicago Memorial for Children in Unmarked Graves George Alpgiannis of Kappy’s 11-14. There is limited availability, Restaurant, Jimmy Bannos of Heav- and it is on a first-come, first-serve More than 160 children who died in the early 1900’s are embraced by church in Palos Hills en on Seven, John Boudouvas of basis. For more information, con- Frasca, Peter Liaras of La Briola Bak- tact the National Philoptochos of- ery, Mary Mastricola of La Petite fice at 212-744-4390. By Jo Napolitano Manta and his friends couldn't Suzanne Dangles would often re- any other, she said: hardworking, Folie, Michael & Carrie Nahabedia of Chicago Tribune believe they didn't know the graves flect on her baby sister, Georgia, who churchgoing. They lived upstairs NAHA Restaurant, Amalia Tshilds & ■ THROUGH MAY 2008 were there. Their own family mem- was 11 months old when she died of from her father's restaurant. Her Jason Hammel of Lulu’s Cafe, Sean NEW YORK – The Children’s Muse- When he heard the question – bers are buried yards away. influenza. She's the reason the pro- mother was a homemaker. Eastwood of Isabella Estiatorio, John um of Manhattan cordially invites the "Do you want to know where the Parishioners said some of the chil- ject got its start. "It was a simple life, like everyone Gatsos of Tavern on Rush, and spe- community to “Gods, Myths & Mor- others are buried?" – Aristotle dren died of influenza. An outbreak Dangles' sister, Helen, Flessor's had," she said. cial guest chef Panos Karatassos tals: Discover ,” an ex- Flessor knew the mystery which in 1918 killed tens of millions of peo- wife, asked her husband to help find Back then, losing a child was a owner and chef of Kyma Restaurant hibition which allows children to ex- haunted his family was far greater ple worldwide. Of the 161 children the baby's burial grounds. Helen has sad but accepted reality. Julie Bros- in Atlanta, GA. George Bumbaris of plore the world of ancient Greece at than he imagined. buried in Evergreen Cemetery, 22 since died. nan, a staff psychologist and adjunct Prairie Grass Cafe is the chef coordi- CMOM (The Tisch Building, 212 It wasn't just his sister in-law who died in 1918. Pneumonia and other Dangles, 84, doesn't remember faculty member at DePaul University, nator. For more information, call West 83rd Street). Your initial tour was buried in an unmarked grave in childhood ailments may have much about Georgia, saying her fam- said parents were accustomed to Kyriako Mellos at 312-655-1234. guides will be the great gods Zeus, Evergreen Park more than 70 years claimed the others' lives. ily rarely spoke of her. such tragedies. Poseidon and Athena as they remi- ago, but 160 other young children Some siblings, now elderly, "I only remember when they were According to the Centers for Dis- ■ SEPTEMBER 16 nisce about their powers and respon- had graves (mostly unmarked) added grave markers since the burial preparing her for the funeral parlor," ease Control & Prevention, 73 of BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Asia Minor sibilities. Learn how the Ancient there, as well, a cemetery worker grounds were rediscovered a few she said. "My mom never talked every 1,000 babies born in the U. S. Memorial Holocaust Committee believed gods and mortals in- told him. years ago. about it. She never discussed it with in 1926 died within the first year of cordially invites the community to teracted and take an on-screen per- Stunned, Flessor took that infor- Mary Vallas, now 78 years old us, not even to tell us which ceme- life. The 2004 infant mortality rate – the “Christian Holocaust Asia Mi- sonality quiz to determine which mation back to his friends at Saints and mother of former Chicago Public tery she was buried in." the most recent data available – nor 85th Anniversary Memorial mythological character you are most Constantine & Helen Greek Ortho- Schools chief Paul Vallas, has a sister Dangles said the discovery of shows 6.9 children died per every Service & Observance,” commemo- like. Visit the gymnasium (school) dox Church in Palos Hills. And to- buried at the site. Georgia's burial site ended a long 1,000 births. rating the Megali Katastrophe with and oikos (home) to discover which gether, they worked to erect a monu- "She was my mother's firstborn," family puzzle. "There is such a contrast between a lecture by Michael Stratis and a skills were most valued in Ancient ment in honor of the dead, calling it she said. "It's quite profound. My sis- "It completes the mystery," she the turn of the century and now," photo exhibit at Three Hierarchs Greek boys and girls. Explore the im- "A Child of God Memorial." ter was 7 months old." said. "It really brings closure. I don't Brosnan said. "Ceremonies and tra- Church on Sunday, September 16, portance of athletic competition as Flessor, who first inquired about Vallas said her mother never real- have that feeling that she was ne- ditions and grave markers are such at 11 AM. A reception will follow. you arm wrestle coun- his relative three years ago, didn't ly opened up about the loss of her ba- glected. She's part of the family." an essential component of mourning Free Admission. For more informa- terparts using mechanical arms, or live long enough to see the monu- by, named Helen. "They were old- Dangles said she's not upset at her in today's society." tion call Basilios Theodosakis at test your leg strength as you learn ment, which was unveiled last Satur- timers," Vallas said. "When they had mother for staying silent. Those Back then, grief was concealed. 718-339-0280. about ancient jumpers. Become fa- day morning, September 25, at Ever- pain, they never shared it." were hard times. Her family was like "There was a stigma associated miliar with the ancient Greek alpha- green Cemetery and Mausoleum. with grief and loss and mourning," ■ SEPTEMBER 18 bet by translating messages. Learn But a longtime friend and fellow Brosnan said. "Anything emotional NEPTUNE, N.J. – The Saint George about the heroism of ancient Greek parishioner, Frank Manta, carried on or psychologically tough was com- Church community of Asbury Park, women in myth and daily life and his work, visiting the cemetery and partmentalized or put aside. It was New Jersey will host its 8th Annual compete with the goddess Athena in learning the names of the children. something that was a closed, a Golf Tournament & Awards Ban- a virtual weaving contest. Climb in- Manta, with a group of supporters, locked chapter. There were certain quet on Tuesday, September 18, at side a 12 ft tall Trojan Horse before including Flessor's brother, Lee, family members who weren't spoken the Jumping Brook Country Club in stepping into Homer’s great epic po- raised about $52,000 for the monu- of. It was the norm for that historical Neptune (Jumping Brook Road). em, The Odyssey, where you will ment: a 6-ton black granite marker time period. You were walking Registration, 11:30 AM. Shot Gun journey through rocky caves and which stands more than 7 feet high. around with the ghost of these fami- start, 1:30 PM. Buffet luncheon, over open seas; escape the crawl- The monument bears the names ly members, but never acknowledg- on-course refreshments, cocktail through Cyclops Cave; and sing like a of the deceased, and includes a stat- ing it." hour, awards reception and buffet Siren in the Sirens Karaoke Cove. Be ue of Christ with two small children. And there were other, more prac- dinner: $225 per golfer. All pro- prepared to face on-screen dilem- "These are our children, from our tical matters. ceeds to support the Saint George mas, your choices will be tracked church," Manta said, hoping the "One didn't have the time (to Church Building Fund. For more in- along the way and your personalized monument will help parishioners mourn openly) – with raising a num- formation or to sponsor the event, on-screen Hero Record can be e- celebrate their loved ones' short ber of kids and running the house call 732-229-8274. mailed home. Budding archaeolo- lives. "I hope they'll remember them; and settling here and surviving in a gists can visit the Temple of Zeus at that they'll say a little prayer for new country," Brosnan said. ■ SEPTEMBER 20-23 Olympia and assist in the reconstruc- them because they were lost for far Documenting the children has BETHLEHEM, Penn. – Saint tion of a 3-D temple; learn about col- too long." been a difficult and time-consuming Nicholas Greek Orthodox cordially umn construction, sculptures and the The monument reads, "As you task. Manta twice posted a list of invites the community to its Annual giant statue of Zeus. For more info, read each name on the tablets, re- names in a Greek newspaper, asking Greek Orthodox Festival at the call Janet Ralston at 212-721-1223. member an infant lost; a family relatives to correct any misspellings. church (1607 W. Union Blvd.) on heartbroken; a dream unfulfilled. About 40 families wrote back, Thursday-Sunday, September 20- ■ NOTE TO OUR READERS Now they will be known by all, re- some sending checks. With sparse 23. Times: Thursday 5-9 PM; Fri- This calendar of events section is a membered by all, and loved by all." and often handwritten records, Man- day 11-9 PM; Saturday 11-9 PM; complimentary service to the Greek Records show some children ta thinks the spellings are only "95 and Sunday 12-6 PM. There will be American community. All parishes, were a day old when they died, while PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE percent" correct. a variety of Greek Specialties, organizations and institutions are others lived a few years. Their tiny Frank Manta walks over ground, where numerous children are buried, "I hope people will like the dance troupes, tours and one hour encouraged to e-mail their infor- burial plots, some identified only by towards a new monument this past August 20. Manta and a number of memorial," he said. "I'll tell them we Lessons. For more mation 3-4 weeks ahead of time, a number, can be found in a small parishioners at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in did the best we could." information, call 610-867-1327. and no later than Monday of the field on the southeast side of the Palos Hills, Illinois raised over $52,000 to provide a marker for the week before the event, to cemetery in a predominantly Greek graves and a memorial to 161 children who died between 1915 and The Chicago Tribune published ■ SEPTEMBER 21-22 [email protected] section. 1930, but who were buried in mostly unmarked graves. the above on August 24. SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – His Emi- om. THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 FEATURE 3 The Untold Saga of Col. Christodoulos Completes Pre-Operative Tests, Awaits Lucas Miltiades Miller Call that Matching Liver Has Been Found for Surgery

Continued from page 1 political life. In time, he was a mem- Continued from page 1 solace that prayer gives. It is the ber of the state assembly; commis- soul’s lifeline. I feel that God is arrivals only in passing as totaling sioner of the Oshkosh Board of Pub- menting on this, he said, “I am close to me, and I allow myself to 40 individuals, who are always re- lic Works; and for ten years served grateful to God for leading me experience the sweetness of His ferred to as orphans. But these indi- as chairman of the Winnebago here, and keeping the hope and op- Grace, which He grants us. Never viduals were a mixture of refugees County Board of Supervisors. Given timism inside me that this problem before have I felt the need to pray and students as well as orphans. his active political life, it should not with my health will have a positive so fervently, as I do now that my Historical essays, culled from pub- be surprising to learn that this Greek conclusion. Pain in not pleasant. In health is in jeopardy. There is no lished accounts, exist for less than a immigrant was also nominated for the end, however, it has proven to other way out for someone to avoid handful of these individuals. alderman, state senator, state trea- be part of the plan that God has for the gates of evil. From this perspec- In 1857, ‘The Greek Slave’ was surer and even lieutenant governor. each of us. Therefore, we ought to tive, I am happy that I am a Christ- the first internationally recognized In 1860, Miller married Mary E. recognize the major spiritual bene- ian. If I was not, I would feel utterly statue by an American artist. Creat- Reeve, and the couple soon adopted fit that it ends up offering to our alone and unable to bear such a ed by Hiram Powers, who was origi- a daughter soul. That is why, just like the burden alone.” nally from Vermont, this statue was In late 1890, while on a trip to saints, it would be good for us to As to what sorts of books he inspired by the widely circulated Montpelier, Vermont to visit family, seek about what lies behind the tri- reads, Christodoulos said, “the newspaper accounts of one of the Colonel Miller was nominated De- als of life, which are not apparent books that I read are those that es- Greek women refugees. American mocratic candidate for a Wisconsin at first glance. These are the things sentially interest me. They are missionaries had literally bought seat in the U.S. House of Represen- that matter.” mainly books of spiritual edifica- this young Greek woman as she was tatives. It was an unusual nomina- When asked what exams he un- tion, and some are historical in na- being auctioned off the Turkish tion and campaign. The Oshkosh derwent, and if he will undergo any ture. Besides these, I am interested slave block. Weekly Northwestern October 2, further tests, the Archbishop said, in keeping up with contemporary When this statue, which depicts a 1890 edition took great pleasure in “The necessary pre-operative ex- publications on display at book- 5-foot, 6-inch naked young woman reporting that, “Colonel L. M. Miller ams took place in the hospital last stores. I have brought books with on the Turkish slave block, was first was by no means the first choice, or week. Those are the tests that end- me from unknown authors. I was exhibited it was said to be ‘clothed in even the second choice of delegates, ed up clearing the way for a trans- drawn by their titles or themes, a sentiment.’ The common knowl- who were present at the Democratic plant. God deigned for these tests many of which relate to politics. I edge the average American would congressional convention which to show that I was in a healthy psy- think that a Church official should have of the original Greek woman’s was held here yesterday. Indeed, chosomatic state, so that I could be regularly keep abreast of develop- account of seeing her family killed some of the delegates were outspo- added to the waiting list after com- ments in every aspect of life. Above before her, and then taken to the ken in their opinion that he was a pleting them and await my trans- all, of course, he ought to cultivate slave block, was all that this woman weak candidate. George W. Pratt plant. I am now waiting to be his Orthodox spirituality. But one wore. was, of course, the first choice, but called as soon as a matching liver is should also be aware of how the A comprehensive study of this Mr. Pratt would under no condition found so I can receive the trans- world thinks today; what ideolo- collective of Greek orphans, to accept the empty honor. It was plant.” gies and views are being dissemi- refugees and students (or their long- placed on a gold platter, so to speak, In response to a question con- nated; and what people expect term influence on American society and presented to John W. Hume. cerning the Church’s view on trans- from the Church. If the people rep- and culture) has yet to be written. The latter declined the distinction of plants, Christodoulos said, “The resenting the Church are not in a Lucas Miltiades Miller belongs to becoming the standard bearer of Church accepts transplants and position to offer persuasive and that nationally esteemed group of democracy in his district, however. blesses them,” but noting that trustworthy views on the problems Greeks from the 1820 to 1830 era. As Col. Miller was out of town, and transplant procedures have to of today’s world, then I do not Individuals like C. Plato Castanis, could not very well verbally refuse “meet certain requirements.” The know who would want to follow George Musalas Colvocoresses, the nomination, and as it was im- Church views transplants as one of the Church.” Christodoulos Evangelides, Photios possible to find anybody at home the greatest examples of love and What Archbishop Christodoulos Kavalas Fisk, Alexander Paspatis, who would accept the burden, Mr. self-denial, he explained. “In fact, said he yearns for the most is George Pericardis, Evangelismos Miller’s name was used simply to fill the ’s Greece and the Church. Speaking Apostolides Sophocles, John C. Za- out the ticket, and prevent the con- has had a committee on Biomedical AP/TNH ARCHIVES about what he has missed most chos and many others were, and re- vention from resulting in a complete Ethics since 1999, and has ap- Archbishop Christodoulos, primate of the Church of Greece, smiles during his stay in America, so far, main, historical individuals whose fiasco.” proved an official document with prior to departing from Elefsis military airport, southwest of Athens, he disclosed that, “I miss my coun- influence was acknowledged both Lucas Miller was 66 years old in 55 points on this issue. This docu- this past August 18. He has completed his pre-operative tests, and is try, Greece. I am homesick, and I al- on the local and national levels. 1890, and upon his arrival back ment has been published in Greek, now awaiting a matching liver for transplant surgery. so miss performing my responsibili- WISCONSIN TERRITORIES from Vermont, a mere two weeks English, French and Russian, and ties in the Church. I miss my In the spring of 1846, at the age before the election, he very reluc- can be found on our website at am doing now. That is why I view head of the Church of Greece said, coworkers, my spiritual children, of 23, Lucas Miller arrived in tantly accepted the nomination. He (www.ecclesia.gr), or on the com- my illness as a blessing in disguise, “Following the first two days, and my people. Despite the fact Oshkosh, Wisconsin when this set- made no effort, whatsoever, to cam- mittee’s webpage. It has also been so I can gather up my strength once which I spent undergoing tests, I that I am being accompanied by tlement boasted no more than six paign. The old Greek’s only public published as a separate flyer from again; rethink my views and deci- am spending my hours in prayer, three of my closest associates, I can rough lodges along the Fox River. comment was, “If elected, I propose our publishing house, Apostoliki sions; and handle my daily prob- studying, living ascetically and fol- not say that I am not bothered by From the very moment the young to attend to your interests, and if not Diakonia (Apostolic Stewardship). lems more prudently. I hope and lowing the developments in the fact that I still miss all the oth- Greek stepped onto the bank of that elected, I propose to attend to my Through this document, interested pray, and believe, that God wants Greece. I am also receiving visits ers. That is why – as I have learned own.” parties can find out more informa- to show me how much he loves me, from people who request audi- – they are planning to come here in Miller was elected against all po- tion on the conditions upon which and what he expects from me from ences. I talk on the phone, and I try groups, for as long as I will be in It is this man’s open litical wisdom of his day, receiving transplants are supported by the now on. For my part, I also want to to rest. I am also in contact with our Florida, to visit me and spend a few reluctance to ever run 15,573 votes against 13,409 votes Holy Spirit, and the terms upon show Him how much I value His offices in Greece, and I am keeping days with me. I thank them deeply for Charles B. Clark, the Republican which the Church of Greece accepts will.” track of serious issues concerning for this. I am relieved by the for this office which candidate, and 1,156 votes for them.” Christodoulos is regularly the Church, so that I can give direc- thought of this prospect. In fact, I helps us understand his George W. Gates, the Prohibitionist. The Archbishop also confirmed briefed, and is in constant commu- tions, since we are still in our sum- learned that some of them rented subsequent actions... The stunned Colonel Miller found that an organ for transplant nication with Greece and his office mer season and the Holy Synod is an apartment here where they can himself Representative to Congress surgery can be found at any given in Athens. He is following develop- in recess.” stay when they visit.” he had nothing to lose for Wisconsin’s Adams, Columbia, moment, and that he could have ments in Greece regularly, and was The Archbishop is definitely not When told that many Greek Green, Lake, Marquette, Out- surgery immediately after a match one of the first to comment on the bored in Miami, and remains ac- Americans from across the country wooded glade, he became personal- agamie, Waushara and Winnebago is found. “Yes, that is correct. That epic fires which struck Greece last tive, studying and praying. “There ask about him daily and express ly involved in city and county devel- Counties. is why I pray daily for a match to be week, actively displaying his inter- is not much time for idleness,” he their wishes to visit him in Miami, opment. Miller, who was a lawyer by Acknowledging Miller’s less than found as quickly as possible, so that est by sending humanitarian aid to characteristically remarked. “My the ailing prelate’s response was, “I training, immediately joined with auspicious entry to high political of- I may be healed and return to my the many victims. He also request- days are filled. I have brought thank them with all my heart, and I Edward Eastman, who was to be- fice in no way denigrates what was duties. I do not mean to imply that I ed that supplications for the victims many different books along with am grateful. Their goodwill com- come Oshkosh’s first mayor, in es- to become his final and greatest po- am thinking egotistically. It is just be offered from parishes in Greece me for company. I have begun read- forts me, and I know that their feel- tablishing a trading post. The firm of litical forum. It is this man’s open re- that I love what I do very much. If I this past Sunday. ing them every day. When I am not ings are genuine. I pray that God “Miller and Eastman” built the third luctance to ever run for this office had to live my life anew, I would When asked to comment on his reading, I am pondering things, or keeps them well so that they can frame building in Oshkosh on Pa- which helps us understand his sub- want to be who I am and do what I first week in the United States, the praying. You can not imagine the enjoy His gifts to them in health.” machamit Road, later Ferry Street, sequent actions. now known as Main Street. Simply put, Col. Lucas Miller had The growth of this western out- nothing to loose. Without rancor or post was nothing short of phenome- bluster, he eloquently defended one nal. By late summer of 1846, there unpopular cause after another. He were approximately 800 settlers in spoke out on the plight of the Chero- Greek Canadians Horrified by Motherland’s Fire Tragedy Winnebago County, most of whom kee Indians; raised sustained in- lived in Oshkosh. In 1847, as the quiries concerning public lands er- By Melinda Dalton Mike Kanellis, owner of Kitchen- terloo. "It was a religious sanctuary trees anymore. You might have to first settlers replaced the fur trap- roneously conveyed to the rail road Kitchener-Waterloo Record er's Golf Steakhouse, grew up in the and the home of the Olympic Games wait 200 years for those trees to pers, a tract of land was plotted and companies; demonstrated a firm Peloponnese. He returned home and a place of massive importance grow back." sold in a matter of days. Observing commitment to the establishment of KITCHENER, Ont. – From thou- from a trip to Greece last week. in that respect." While she's relieved her family the success of this venture young the civil and criminal code commis- sands of miles away, Anna "Even at the place I lived in, The ruins, home of the first and their home have been spared, Miller had the second tract of land sion; and many other such “lost Vacalopoulos has waited and which was far away, you could smell Olympiad and the Olympic flame, she knows many of those trees and plotted. This tract is recorded as the causes” of his day. During one mem- watched in horror as the uncontrol- the smoke, and you could see it in are both a source of pride for Greeks those farms represent the livelihood first addition to the city of Oshkosh. orable speech, Miller’s charge that lable flames consuming the Greek the sky," he said, adding he still has and a major tourist attraction. of families who weren't so lucky. A building boom soon followed in Native American agents were ‘plun- mountainside approached her fami- family and friends in the region. "In Greece's current economic "They have to start life all over full-force augmented by the lumber- dering the Indians’ brought the as- ly's home in Kalamata. "We were all worried. I heard today structure, a major force in its econo- again," she said. "They have to try ing operations along the Rat River. sembled congressmen to their feet "This is very sad for everybody," they have several countries sending my is tourism," Ager said. "If and plant trees and buy the animals. Miller was frantically buying and in the jeers and cheers which en- she said. "If you watch the news planes. It is, of course, a relief." Olympia were lost, there would be There are people who are living by selling town, farm and woodland sued. In the nationwide coverage from Greece, you cry. It's not only The 2,800-year-old ruins of An- consequences in cultural terms to the farm, and they now have noth- properties at a breakneck pace. Late which followed, the American press my family, but also a lot of people cient Olympia and the museum Greece itself; to lose one of the main ing… I'm crying for everybody in in 1847, the county population was christened the representative from there. You cry for everyone." housing priceless artifacts were tourist draws would be devastat- Greece." 2,787 with more than 1,300 in Wisconsin the “Badger Classic,” ac- Vacalopoulos, 59, left Greece 31 spared the flames, though the fire ing." Oshkosh. knowledging his dual heritage. years ago and now lives in Kitchen- destroyed much of the pristine for- Vacalopoulos said she's devastat- Kitchener-Waterloo Record pub- Oshkosh’s spectacular popula- THE COLONEL’S GARDEN er, but like many members of Water- est surrounding the site and ed the beautiful mountainside that lished the above on August 28. tion growth was such that Winneba- Miller died Thursday evening loo Region's Greek community, her scorched the grass. drew so many visitors to her home- The Greek community of Toronto go County had to be organized for shortly before nine-o’clock, on the family remained in her homeland "Ancient Greece had a few sacred land has been wiped out. has set up a bank account to col- judicial and governmental purpos- 4th of December in 1902. Funeral and has seen the devastation caused hearts, and this was one of them," "There were so many mountains, lect funds for relief. Donations es. In 1847, Miller proved instru- services were held at his home, with by the raging forest fires first hand. said Sheila Ager, a professor of Clas- so many nice trees," she said. "Now may be made at any Scotia Bank mental in moving the county seat Rev. F.R. Haff officiating. Interment The flames were stopped only a sical Studies at the University of Wa- if you go back, you can't see those (account #847720129712). from Butte des Morts to Oshkosh. was at Riverside Cemetery. Miller’s few miles away from her brother's Working with two partners, Samuel spacious home and grounds were lo- home in Kalamata, but the black- Farnsworth and Sewell A. Wolcott, cated on the shore of Lake Winneba- ened mountainside and small fires Miller donated lots in the heart of go. still burning remind everyone the town for the new county buildings. The old Colonel’s passion, even fire could quickly flare up again, she The first Winnebago County Build- from his very first days on the fron- said. IN A NUTSHELL ing stood on this property at the cor- tier, was his garden. For many years, "It's hard to sleep because you ner of Otter and Court Streets. In he periodically opened the land- don't know if the fire will come," she THE BOOK FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS recognition of Miller’s growing civic scaped gardens around his home to said. "The smoke is so bad, and peo- standing, Governor Henry Dodge the public. In 1891, he sold his gar- ple can't breathe for many days. My SPECIAL FEATURES appointed him colonel of the militia. dens, for a token payment, to the mother… she cries because she sees It was by this title that Lucas Miller city. Few realize that Oshkosh’s na- the fire coming." 1. Synopsis of the HISTORY OF GREECE: was addressed for the rest of his life. tionally renowned Menominee Park Many members of the local By 1853, Oshkosh was chartered was once Miller’s much-loved gar- Greek community, which number Brief, simple, concise, complete - a city with well over 2,000 residents. dens. Miller Bay, northwest of the about 3,500, have been glued to With one business and political suc- park, still bears his name. news reports from Athens for the from the Mythical Times to 2005. cess following another, Miller unex- Lucas Miltiades Miller, orphan of past week as the wildfires worsened pectedly faced a personal tragedy the Greek War of Independence, tru- in the south. 2. Includes: A section on the greatest when his wife Phedora died on June ly lived his live in the public service. Nearly everyone in the commu- personalities who glorified Greece. 27, 1854. Recalling his considerable accom- nity has been touched by the POLITICAL LIFE plishments honors not only the tragedy in some way, said Rev. Con- 3. Concludes with: A chronology of events. ON THE FRONTIER tenacity of an early Greek immi- stantine Chatzis of Saints Peter & In 1853, Miller was elected a grant, but also the sense of public Paul Greek Orthodox Church in 4. There is nothing like it on the market today! member of the Wisconsin legisla- duty so often associated with the Kitchener. ture. Among the many important best American frontiersmen. "A large contingent of the Greek ª∞∆π¡∞ ∫. PSYHOGEOS measures he introduced or advocat- community in Kitchener are from ed was his successful resolution pre- Readers interested in contacting the Peloponnese," he said. "Both of About the author venting the removal of the Menomi- Mr. Frangos are welcome to send my wife's grandparents are from nee Indians from the state. Miller e-mails at greekwrite@yahoo. that part of Greece. Their village is $19.95 Matina K. Psyhogeos is a former professor of ($4.60 for S&H) led an extremely busy and varied com. surrounded by flames right now, Hellenic College-School of Theology, founder and they're hoping they'll get it un- Send check/money order and developer of the Psyhogeos Greek der control." Payable to: The church will start taking col- Matina Psyhogeos Language Program, and author of the famous lections on Sunday to help with the P.O.Box 1553 book OLYMPIC GAMES. humanitarian relief effort, he said. Torrance, CA 90505 Expand your mind... News that aid is on the way For info: Helen Dumas E-Mail: [email protected] The National Herald Bookstore brings some comfort to those wor- (310) 373-0808 (718) 784-5255 ried about loved ones in their home- E-Mail:[email protected] Website: www.psyhogeos.com land. 4 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 John Scouras, 68, Leaves Big, Empty Spot in Winnipeg’s Heart George Bertos, 83, Restaurateur

By Joe Paraskevas The cause of death is believed to be The Red Top's menu, including ty… a legacy put in place for the Took his Civic Duties Seriously Winnipeg Free Press a heart attack, according to his oversized burgers, and its 1950's- next generation of Greeks here in brother Gus, who added that the inspired decor, drew a devoted Winnipeg." By Jerry Vondas strument closely related to the WINNIPEG, Man. – Winnipeggers family is awaiting results of an au- clientele. John Scouras himself Scouras, an all-star midfielder Pittsburgh Tribune-Review mandolin-like bouzouki. from business, cultural and sport- topsy. worked hard to make the Red Top a playing soccer as a boy in Greece, While attending a Greek dance ing circles mourned the sudden John Scouras' older brothers, Winnipeg landmark. made his mark in the local sports PITTSBURGH, Pa. – As a successful in the Mon Valley in 1953, he met death of John Scouras, whose con- Gus and George, came to Winnipeg "He was one of the best men in scene. restaurateur with locations in McK- Rebecca Panos. "George said to me tributions to the city in the last half- in 1949. John joined them five Winnipeg – for his customers, for "He was a staunch supporter of eesport, Monroeville and Shady- that evening that he was going to century reflected his wide-ranging years later. The brothers had an un- his friends, for his relatives, for his soccer," said Sean Drain, president side, George Bertos understood the marry me," she said. "I thought he interests. cle who lived in what was then kids," said fellow restaurateur of the Manitoba Soccer Associa- meaning of service with a smile. was crazy. I was only 18. He waited, Scouras was associated for more called Fort William, Ontario. But George Ifandis, owner of George's tion, remembering how Scouras "George knew the merits of serv- and three years later we were mar- than 40 years with the Red Top Dri- they saw a brighter future in Win- Burgers & Subs. helped found Hellas, a Greek com- ing good food in a pleasant atmos- ried." ve Inn, a Norwood restaurant he nipeg, Gus Scouras said. George Ifandis came from the same vil- munity team in Manitoba's senior phere, where his customers had to Mr. Bertos opened his first co-owned which one reviewer la- later moved to Vancouver, where lage as Scouras, Kokilion in central men's soccer league; went on to be satisfied," said his wife, Becky. restaurant in McKeesport in 1964, beled "the classic diner." he now resides. Greece. The Red Top's owner was coach and manage the team in the George Frank Bertos of Squirrel followed by the restaurant in Mon- "It was the spot," former CKRC The brothers threw themselves koumbaro, or best man, at Ifandis' 1970's; and later became an execu- Hill died on Saturday, August 18, in roeville. Prior to his retirement in 630 disc jockey Boyd Kozak said. into community life, becoming in- wedding and godfather to his son. tive, rising to president of the Man- Athens, Greece while vacationing 1990, he operated a restaurant on "That's where kids hung out in the volved with soccer teams and In his community work, Scouras itoba Major Soccer League at the with his family. He was 83. Baum Boulevard in Shadyside, sixties. It was the place to be." church groups. was a longtime member of the time of his death. "It was George's dream of taking where many of the doctors and oth- For several years in the early They also went into business to- Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Soccer governing bodies in our grandchildren back to the place er professionals from the nearby 1960's, Kozak would broadcast mu- gether, co-owning the Big Boy, Ju- community, the church represent- Manitoba aren't known for their of his birth," his wife said. "It was a hospitals were his customers. sic live from a trailer in the Red nior's and Red Top restaurants at ing Winnipeg's Greeks, currently smooth relations, Drain said, but joyful family vacation where he Although Mr. Bertos was a mem- Top's parking lot, and he recalled various times. Of these, the Red about 3,000 in number. Scouras was an exception to the traced his footsteps as a young boy, ber of numerous fraternal and eth- with fondness both the innocence Top became their signature enter- This year, Scouras was serving rule. and was reunited with loved ones nic organizations, including the of the time and the goodness of the prise. It also drew Gus and John as the group's president and was "He was a person who didn't hog for what was to be the last time." Shriners, he was committed to the Red Top's owner. closer. about to see the September the spotlight," Drain said. "He Mrs. Bertos said her husband Karpathian Educational Progres- "Oh, golly," Kozak said, when "Johnny was my right arm," said groundbreaking for a project he worked from behind the scenes; a learned the restaurant business the sive Association. told that Scouras had died. "I am Gus, 72. "Me and John did every- had helped champion for about 20 very solid organizer, and a very hard way. "From the time George He served on the Association's absolutely crushed to hear that." thing together. He was not only my years: the construction of the Mani- great person in leading people to- arrived in Pittsburgh from Greece board of trustees, and helped to es- Scouras, who was about to turn brother, he was my best friend. We toba Hellenic Cultural Center. wards a consensus." in 1948, he worked as a busboy, tablish a scholarship fund. The 68, died on Monday, August 20, golfed together. We went on trips It is a place that one fellow exec- waiter and as a captain in the King's board was instrumental in building while on a visit with family mem- together. He was my best friend. utive suggested Scouras considered Winnipeg Free Press published Garden at the Hilton. a hospital on the island of bers to the Greek island of Sifnos. Next to my wife, he was it." "the advancement of the communi- the above on August 23. "George doted over his cus- Karpathos. tomers. If there was an item on the During the annual Greek food menu that someone liked, but festivals at Saint Nicholas Cathe- wanted it prepared in another way, dral in Oakland, he volunteered, George would accommodate them. along with his family, to work in the When it came to introducing new kitchen and food service lines. Jim Fifis, 68, Rose from Dishwasher to Co-Owner dishes for his customers, my hus- Mrs. Bertos is survived by his band created the Trojan Sandwich, wife; three daughters, Nitsa Kratsas CHERRY HILL, N.J. – Jim Fifis, who run by family members. He became a said his son, Christopher Fifis of ry Hill and Nick of Medford; and sev- which remained on the menu in all of Monroeville, Joyce Athanasiou rose from a dishwasher's job to over- partner in the Brooklawn diner in Lumberton. "He came here deter- en grandchildren. of our restaurants. And 30 years of the North Side and Pamela see one of South Jersey's best-known 1971, then sold his interest to be- mined to work – so his family could Funeral services were held on Au- later, his customers were still ask- Bertos of Squirrel Hill; two grand- restaurants, has died. come a partner at Ponzio's in Cherry get the opportunities he never had," gust 27 at Saint Thomas Greek Or- ing for this sandwich." sons; and a brother, Nicholas of Mr. Fifis, 68, was a partner with Hill in 1992. said his son, noting Mr. Fifis regular- thodox Church in Cherry Hill. Burial Like many of the immigrants of Greece. He was predeceased by six his three sons at Ponzio's in Cherry His three sons joined him as part- ly pitched in with restaurant chores. was at Locustwood Memorial Park. his generation, Mr. Bertos arrived brothers and sisters. Hill. He died of natural causes on ners at the Route 70 restaurant in "No job was beneath him. He died a Memorial contributions can be made in the United States from the Greek Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 22. 2000. rich man. He died with his family to Samaritan Hospice (5 Eves Drive, island of Karpathos with the hope August 27 at Saint Nicholas Greek Born in Andros, Greece Mr. Fifis The Cherry Hill resident repre- around him, with a lot of love and Evesham, NJ 08053-9841). of earning enough money to care Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland. came to the United States in 1966. sented a generation of "Greek pio- dignity." for his family in Greece, a country Burial was at Homewood Cemetery He started out washing dishes at neers" who came to America to pro- Mr. Fifis is also survived by his The Cherry Hill Courier-Post pub- which was ravaged during World in Squirrel Hill. Arrangements Ponzio's in Brooklawn, a restaurant vide a better life for their families, wife, Violetta; his sons, John of Cher- lished the above on August 23. War II. were by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Upon his arrival in Pittsburgh, Inc. Mr. Bertos soon acquired the repu- tation of being a fun-loving young Pittsburgh Tribune-Review pub- DEATHS man, and played the laouta, an in- lished the above on August 25.

■ DARLAS, ARGYRO and Nicolas Kyriakakos; and her gust 13 at Saint George Church in trained and served as a Lompoc Po- PASADENA, Calif. – The Pasadena great-grandson Alex Peppard. She Pittsfield. Memorial donations to lice volunteer. She was active in the CLASSIFIEDS Star-News reported that Argyro Dar- was predeceased by her husband Saint George Church (73 Bradford Santa Barbara Greek Orthodox las passed away on Friday, August 10, James H. Kaltsas; and her brother St., Pittsfield, MA 01201) or to Hos- Church, serving as a past president of 2007. She is survived by her hus- Constantine Sgouros. She was born piceCare in the Berkshires (54 Brad- the Philoptochos women's group, but HELP WANTED (718) 728-8500 band; her daughter; her sons; her in Haverhill, the daughter of Vasilios ford St., Pittsfield, MA 01201). will be best remembered for her role Not affiliated with any daughter-in-laws; her granddaugh- and Olympia (Kakides) Sgouros, at- spanning many years in organizing JOURNALISTS WANTED other funeral home. ters; her grandson; her sister; and her tended Clark University and was a ■ LIAKONIS, VASILIKI the food service for the Santa Barbara Nation’s leading Greek American brother. She was born on a small graduate of the Bryant College KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Knoxville Greek Festival. She had the ability to newspaper needs reporters and as- APOSTOLOPOULOS North Aegean island called Ikaria in School of Business. She was a mem- News Sentinel reported that Vasiliki entice family, friends, and co-work- sistant editor for English weekly Apostle Family - Greece. After World War II her moth- ber of Saint Spyridon Greek Ortho- Liakonis, 88, passed away on Thurs- ers, Greeks and non-Greeks alike, in- paper. Exceptional writing/report- Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - er and her siblings left the island dox Cathedral, its Ladies Philopto- day, August 16, 2007 at Parkwest to hours of serving food with the sim- ing skills and bilingual fluency a Funeral Directors of seeking a better life in America. Her chos, Saint Spyridon Guild, the Medical Center. She is survived by ple promise of paying for their own must. Car a plus. Fax or e-mail clips RIVERDALE Uncle Gus sponsored the family and Daughters of Penelope, the Worces- her son Nicholas Anthony (Kiki) Li- eventual Greek meal. Through her and cover letter to 718-472-0510 FUNERAL HOME Inc. helped them get established here in ter Art Museum, Opera Worcester, akonis; her granddaughters Frankie career as an Administrative Coun- or [email protected]. 5044 Broadway America. The family lived several and hosted students for the Interna- Nixon and Georgianne (Matthew) selor in the UCSB Gervitz Graduate 111609/01 New York, NY 10034 years in Pennsylvania and Ohio tional Student Exchange Program. Foster; her grandson Tony (Lori) Li- School of Education, Vivian touched (212) 942-4000 working in Uncle Gus' restaurant. The funeral was held on August 18 at akonis; her great grandchildren the lives of many who have moved on FUNERAL HOMES Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE The Back East winters were very diffi- Saint Spyridon Cathedral in Worces- Nicholas, Theo, Eleni Liakonis and to become the teachers of tomorrow's cult for her. She desired the warm ter. Memorial donations to the Cole Foster; and her sister Pagona. society. The atmosphere of optimism, CONSTANTINIDES LITRAS FUNERAL HOME Mediterranean climate she had left UMass Memorial Foundation Hos- She was predeceased by her husband encouragement, and support she FUNERAL PARLOR Co. ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, behind as a child. She eventually fol- pice Program (P.O. Box 2795, Anthony Nicholas Liakonis; her par- provided touched both the students 405 91st Street INC FUNERAL HOME lowed her sister to sunny California Worcester, MA 01613-9938) or Saint ents Kostas and Aglaia Kapordelis; and her co-workers, and led to the es- Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 83-15 Parsons Blvd., where she spent the remainder of her Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral her brothers James and Andreas; and tablishment of the Vivian Guerrier (718) 745-1010 Jamaica, NY 11432 life. She met her husband in Los An- (102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA her sister Kasani. She spent a lifetime Hope Scholarship which honors Her Services in all localities - (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 geles, married in 1966 and soon after 01609). caring for others and devoted herself personal courage and unwavering Low cost shipping to Greece was blessed with three children. She to her family and beloved church, support of the UCSB students. A love eventually established residence in ■ KOUIS, HARRY Saint George Greek Orthodox of culture took her to many places, ANTONOPOULOS TO PLACE YOUR 1974 in the city of , the city WASHINGTON, DC – The Washing- Church. She was a member of the savoring the countries of Europe and FUNERAL HOME, INC. CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: she loved so much, and raised her ton Post reported that Harry Kouis, Philoptochos Society, a philanthropic North Africa while living in Germany. Konstantinos Antonopoulos - (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, children. Through the years she stud- 82, passed away on Friday, August church group, for over 60 years, and She made a number of trips to Funeral Director E-MAIL: ied to become an electronic assem- 17, 2007 at Conway Medical Center. spent countless hours preparing for Greece, visiting family and friends 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., classifieds@ thenationalherald.com bler and worked for several compa- He is survived by his wife Anna the Greek Festival with her cherished while touring across the country. The Astoria, New York 11105 nies. Once she retired she went to as- Kouis; his son Panos Anthony Kouis, friends. The family wishes to express funeral was held on August 25 at the sist her sons in the restaurant busi- II; his daughter Julia Kouis (Felix) their thanks to Vasiliki's long time Saint Barbara Church in Santa Bar- ness. She enjoyed the restaurant and Mamani; his brother Anthony Panos physician, Dr. Passarello and his staff, bara. Memorial donations to the Vi- REAL ESTATE customers and looked forward to go- Kouis; his sister Coralee Kouis; his as well as the staff at Parkwest Med- vian Guerrier Hope Scholarship en- ing to the restaurant everyday. She grandchildren Dr. Demetrio Mamani, ical Center, especially ICU and fourth dowment at the Gervitz Graduate was a faithful member at Saint An- David Mamani, Patrick Kouis and floor Montvue staff, who provided School of Education, University of thony Greek Orthodox Church in Katina Menefee; and several nieces such kind and loving care. The funer- California at Santa Barbara. Pasadena since 1966. Through the and nephews. He was born April 27, al was held on August 20 at Saint years she was a volunteer for the 1925, in Washington, DC, a son of the George Church in Knoxville. Memor- ■ RAMALIS, ALEXANDER Greek School, annual Greek Festival late Panos Anthony and Eleni ial donations to Saint George Church CALGARY, Alb. – The Calgary Herald and whenever she was able to help Calomiris Kouis. He was a retired Memorial Fund (4070 Kingston Pike, reported that Alexander Ramalis, 88, the church. She is known by family musician and music teacher. He stud- Knoxville, Tennessee 37919). passed away on Wednesday, August and friends to be loving, doting, kind ied piano at the Tourtorsky Academy 8, 2007, at the Rockyview General and generous. The funeral was held in Washington, DC and violin under ■ LIOUBIN, NICOLA A. Hospital in Calgary with his family at on August 17 at Saint Anthony the tutelage of Eugania Bodkin. He WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm his side. He is survived by his daugh- Church in Pasadena. served his country in World War II Beach Post reported that Nicola ter Marina (George); his son George and was a member of the American Anastasia Lioubin, 18 months, (Sharon); his grandchildren Dimitri, ■ GIANAKOS, CAROL Legion Post #38 in Washington, DC. passed away on Friday, August 17, Cristina, Daniel (Mary) and Greg BINGHAMPTON, NY – The Bing- He moved to Myrtle Beach in 1994, 2007 at her home. She was the (Brandy); and his great-grandchild hamton Press & Sun-Bulletin report- from Silver Spring, Maryland. The fu- daughter of Peter and Daphne Li- Nicolas. He was predeceased by his ed that Carol D. Gianakos, 60, passed neral was held on August 22 at Saint oubin. In addition to her parents, she wife Mary; his grandson Ryan; his away on Monday, August 20, 2007. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox is survived by her maternal grandpar- parents George and Marika; and his sister Xeni. He and Mary were mar- subscribe She is survived by her loving husband Church. Memorial donations to Saint ents Demetria and John Nikolopou- PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD John; her daughter Demetra; her son John the Baptist Church Building los; her paternal grandparents ried in Athens in 1942 and immigrat- via the post-office: Nicholas; and several other family Fund, (3301 Hwy 17 Bypass, Myrtle Nicholas and Anastasia Lioubin; and ed to Vancouver, Canada in 1948 ❏1 Month for $9.95 ❏3 Months for $19.95 members. She was predeceased by Beach, SC 29577). two uncles, Pete Nikolopoulos and where they raised their family. They ❏6 Months for $29.95 ❏One Year fo $59.85 her parents, Ivan and Edith Edwards; Mario Lioubin. The funeral was held lived a happy life amongst their many her brothers Gary, Bill, Dick and John ■ LEPOTAKIS, LEO on August 22 at Saint Catherine good friends and close family giving VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): ❏1 Month for $12.95 ❏3 Months for $29.95 Edwards; and her sister Dawn DALTON, Mass. – The Berkshire Ea- Greek Orthodox Church in West Palm the gift of their constant love and de- ❏ ❏ Holmes. She had been active in the gle reported that Leo Lepotakis, 79, Beach. Memorial donations to The votion to their children and grand- 6 Months for $43.99 One Year for $80.00 founding of her families diner, Nikos, passed away on Thursday, August 9, Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach children. In 2006, he moved to Cal- VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, where she served as the secretary for 2007 at home. He is survived by his County, Inc., (800 Northpoint Pkwy., gary to be close to his family. Every- WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) many years. She was a senior stenog- wife Ellen; his sons Peter and Neil; his West Palm Beach 33407). where Alex went he shared his cheer- ❏1 Month for $15.95 ❏3 Months for $37.45 rapher for the Broome County proba- daughter Corinne Keegan; his sisters ful spirit and humor and we know ❏6 Months for $51.75 ❏One Year for $99.00 tion department for over 10 years. Chresanthe Staurulakis and Marie ■ GUERRIER, VIVIAN that his wonderful friends at Lake ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com She enjoyed working at Disney Tavla; and his grandchildren. Born in LOMPOC, Ill. – The Lompoc Record Bonavista Village will miss him. The ❏ World and vacationing there. She Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 31, 1927, son reported that Vivian Platias Guerrier family would like to thank the nurs- NON SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $29.95 ❏One Month for $3.95 was an active member of the Greek of Emmanuel and Kaliope Tavlado- passed away on Wednesday, August ing staff of Unit 56 at Rockyview Gen- ❏ ❏ Orthodox Church for over 33 years rakis Lepotakis, he attended schools 22, 2007, following a courageous eral Hospital for their care and sup- SUBSCRIBERS: One Year for $19.95 One Month for $1.95 and was active in the church choir. there until age 17, when he quit to battle with breast cancer against a port during these last months. The The funeral was held on August 23 at enlist in the Navy. Upon discovering backdrop of decades of Multiple Scle- funeral was held on August 13 at NAME: ...... the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox that he was a minor, the Navy dis- rosis. She was born to her late par- Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox ADDRESS: ...... Church in Binghampton. Memorial charged him. He re-enlisted on his ents, Harry and Afrodite Platias on Church in Calgary. Memorial dona- CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... donations to Lourdes Hospice (1031 18th birthday. A Navy veteran of January 2, 1940. Vivian spent the tions to the Canadian Cancer Society TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... Old Vestal Road, Vestal, N.Y. 13850); World War II, he served on a PT boat, early part of her life in the Berkeley (215 - 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: or to St. Jude Children's Research the USS Saipan, in the South Pacific area, graduating from Berkeley High T2G 1A2). NAME: ...... Hospital (501 St. Jude's Place, Mem- as a lithographer third class. Mr. Lep- School. She later moved through phis, Tenn. 38105). otakis owned and operated Leo's Bar Cary, Illinois, Santa Barbara, and ADDRESS: ...... & Grill on Tyler Street in Pittsfield Stuttgart, Germany, before ultimate- This is a service CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... ■ KALTSAS, SOPHIE from 1972 to 1982. He had previous- ly settling in Lompoc. She is survived to the community. TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester ly worked for the former Union by her brother Gust (Elaine); her Announcements of deaths Please specify method of payment Telegram & Gazette reported that So- Lunch on Columbus Avenue and also sons Jon Mello (Rachel), Stephen may be telephoned to the I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: phie (Sgouros) Kaltsas, 85, passed held various part-time jobs. He was a Caron (Amy), Ken Guerrier (Alexis); Classified Department of The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 away on Tuesday, August 14, 2007, member of Saint George Greek Or- and her grandchildren Angie, The National Herald at or please debit my ❏ Mastercard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express in her home. She is survived by her thodox Church and of American Le- Nicholas, Elizabeth, and Timothy. (718) 784-5255, CARD NUMBER: ...... son Harvey; her daughters Cynthia gion Post 155 in Dalton. He collected She will be fondly remembered for Monday through Friday, EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... Kaltsas and Christine (James) Mar- coins and model trains and enjoyed how she gave of her time and spirit to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST tin; her grandchildren James Kaltsas, reading. He and his wife, the former everyone around her. In the local or e-mailed to: Janica (Trent) Peppard, Arian Kalt- Ellen Zavis, were married May 16, community, she volunteered as a [email protected] sas, James Kyriakakos, Ashley Martin 1954. The funeral was held on Au- rape crisis hotline operator, then THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 CRISIS IN GREECE 5 Greek Americans are Suffering with their Brothers and Sisters in Greece

By Demetris Tsakas Megaloupolis. His home was spared, the victims of the fire, Father Clapsis Special to The National Herald thanks to a tall concrete wall he built began approaching parishioners in- outside his yard a few years ago. dividually and telling them, “I am ex- NEW YORK – “Our hearts and souls “Rapsomati suffered extensive pecting at least $200 from you, and have been broken. The pain and sor- damages. One third of the homes $100 from you,” while everyone row is unspeakable, and as the hours went up in smoke, while others sus- seemed eager to contribute. and days go by, things are becoming tained damages and are unfit for liv- Rev. Athanasios Tsininis, pastor of even harder, since the batteries on ing. A few – including mine – were the Saint Philip Church in Nashua, mobile phones are dying out, and it’s saved by miracle, Mr. Karalekas told New Hampshire offered a memorial getting harder to communicate with the Herald. prayer for those who died in the for- our relatives and compatriots in “My neighbor’s home burned to est fires raging across Greece. Rev. Greece,” Georgia Papadopoulos, the ground, while mine was saved Soterios Alexopoulos, pastor of the President of the Pan-Eleian Associa- thanks to the tall cement wall Saint Nicholas Church in Clinton, tion of New York, told the National around my yard. The situation is Massachusetts was overcome with Herald. something worse than tragic. Not emotion and spoke about “the de- Along with the other Association only were the homes burned down, struction of our homeland” with members, Mrs. Papadopoulos decid- but so were the olive groves, vine- tears in his eyes, calling on parish- ed against canceling last Sunday’s yards, fig trees and forests. Nothing ioners to pray along with him in the group outing to Sunken Meadow was left standing. The people have special supplication he offered. He Park in Long Island, and instead con- been left to the mercy of God, and prepared a letter which was sent to verted the event to a memorial ser- are in despair. How can they put community members with pre-ad- vice in memory of the victims of the their lives back together without a dressed envelopes for them to send forest fires ravaging Greece over the house, electricity, water and their donations in support of the fire past week. prospects,” he added, while also ex- victims. The tragic death of Constantinos pressing his sadness that not all the His wife, Presvytera Eleni Alex- Xydias, 55, a relative of Mrs. Pa- fires had been put out yet. opoulos, with tears streaming down padopoulos from Tala in Eleia, the “There’s no electricity in my vil- her face, said she is experiencing family home of Nikos Betenides, a lage. My fellow villagers bought a “the greatest pain in my life,” be- Greek American from Koutsohora generator and placed it in the pump cause her birthplace of Zaharo was (also in Eleia), which caught fire and room of the water-supply reservoir, completely destroyed, and because was partially salvaged thanks to his and this way, they can have water for “the area of unmatched beauty and brother’s timely intervention, as well some hours during the day,” Mr. Kar- great historical value around ancient as the tragic story of the mother who alekas said, noting that the situation Olympia was destroyed.” Presvytera burned to death along with four chil- could always be worse, like in Za- Alexopoulos also said, “Those trees dren – all minors – dominated the haro and other places, where the vil- were centuries old. They withstood conversation, which lasted until the AP/NICOS GIAKOUMIDES lagers are mourning the dead. so many catastrophes, wars and time the Greek American group left ABOVE: Rev. Panagiotis Kontos He also expressed his fear that the hardships, and they became ashes in the park. Decisions were also made carries a holy cross as he walks fires might rekindle, or that new ar- just a few minutes.” regarding the next steps the Associa- through the remains of the son attempts might take place. The former president of the Pan- tion would take. burned Church of Agia Paraskevi “I could justify 10-15 percent of Laconian Federation, Takis According to Ms. Papadopoulos, in Greka village in the Pelopon- the fires if they happened at a differ- Nikolopoulos, expressed his pain the turnout was a little low because nesian peninsula in Greece this ent time. But the fact that they were and sorrow over the national most of the members sat by their past Tuesday, August 28. Several set off one after the other, and many tragedy, and said the destruction televisions and waited to hear more villages in the area were evacuat- of them occurred simultaneously, bordered on “biblical proportions.” about the fate of their fellow coun- ed as massive forest fires, fanned leads me to believe that they are a “One wonders what to speak of trymen and properties. by strong winds, swept through product of arson. This makes me first: our dozens of compatriots who The service began with a moment swathes of southern Greece, even more uneasy,” Mr. Karalekas burned to death; the homes that of silence for the victims of the na- leaving more than 60 people said. were reduced to ashes; the olive tional tragedy, and afterwards, dead since last Friday, August 24. Constantine Lykogiannis report- groves, vineyards and green trees members began to recount what RIGHT: A holy cross is seen in- ed that the pine forest next to the that no longer exist; or the destruc- they had heard from their phone side of the burned church of Agia , where Greek Ameri- tion of the ecosystem? All these conversations with friends and rela- Paraskevi in Greka village in the can children vacation at the camp things have caused us great pain and tives in Greece. Peloponnese this past Tuesday, site operated by the Archdiocese of suffering. Our eyes are glued to the Mrs. Papadopoulos noted that August 28. Greek Americans also America was charred, and that he television and other media, and Costas Tsarouchas, 55, brother in- lost loved ones and properties in had not yet learned about the fate of every so often, we try to contact our law of Constantinos Xydias, her sis- the massive wild fires which the Ionian Village itself. brothers in Laconia and throughout ter’s husband, suffered a heart attack swept through Greece this past He also noted that the 950 acres the Peloponnese,” he said, express- while driving a truck with a water week. of land the municipality of ing his disappointment over the inac- tank on his way to put out the fire. As Vartholomio set aside for the con- tivity and sluggishness the Greek a result, he lost control of the truck to take his two children along with struction of the Eleian Village, where American community has shown in and fell into the fire. her, while he would stay behind to Greek Americans would build homes responding to this tragedy. THEY LOST EVERYTHING help put out the fire. After driving a based on the model of the Arcadian “We must raise funds; and not “Although they brought him to short while, the road was blocked off Village, were scorched. just the associations and societies the medical center in Simopoulos, due to the collision of a car with a fire “This is a disaster of biblical pro- that come from these areas. All the attending doctors could do noth- truck, and the mother and all four portions that has struck our home- Greek American organizations must ing to help him. The autopsy con- children were trapped by the flames. land, and we must all stand beside combine their strength and offer firmed the son of the deceased’s She was burned alive, with four chil- these people and offer what we can,” help to the homeland,” Mr. reservations about the cause of his dren in her arms,” Mr. Lykogiannis Mr. Lykogiannis said. Nikolopoulos said. father’s death,” said Mrs. Pa- said, noting that the most tragic part According to reports from According to reports from Dimitri padopoulos, who is also from of the entire story is that both men Theodore Kalmoukos, the Herald’s Soultogiannis, the Herald’s corre- Simopoulos, which was struck by the who tried to send their children to correspondent in Boston, Greek spondent in Washington, fire. She also noted that she was un- seek safety along with the mother Americans in New England offered “Our thoughts and prayers go out able to learn anything newer be- managed to make it out alive. special petitions for the people of to our fellow Greeks at this time of cause the batteries in her relatives’ Nikos Betenides, 56, a Brooklyn ther personally affected, or know of than one would think. The homes of Greece who are suffering from the crisis,” Helen Raptakis of Annapolis, mobile phones have run out. resident who runs his own construc- people who were affected by the the priest, Mr. Simopoulos, Mr. hellish fires, as well as for the unfor- Maryland told the Herald as the “The situation is very dramatic. tion company, told the Herald about deadly fires which swept across the Stavropoulos, Mr. Tsekouras and tunate people who perished. death told climbed past 60. “It’s hard We don’t have the words to describe the pain and sorrow the national Peloponnese and Euboia last week. dozens of others have been burned In several instances, a special tray for us Greek Americans to be wit- our feelings of pain and sorrow. Our tragedy which befell the Pelopon- “My hometown of Voutsaras, in to a crisp. A shepherd managed to was passed to gather funds to sup- nessing this inferno over our televi- compatriots in Eleia lived in the most nese and Euboia brought to him, his the municipality of Falesia in Arcadia save his flock of sheep, but his pen port the fire-stricken victims, and the sion sets without being able to do fertile area, and had vast properties, family and all his compatriots. is going through tragic moments. and the fodder that he had gathered faithful responded with generosity. anything,” Her husband, Elias Man- which are now burned to ashes. This “I was born in Koutsohera, where Many homes, including my family for the winter have been reduced to The Saint Nectarios community in douvanes, moved to the United year, my nephew had the best har- I was raised along with my younger home, were burned down, while ashes. How can our brothers and sis- Roslindale, Massachusetts and its States in 1968 from the Pelopon- vest, and waited to make his money brother George. We rebuilt our fami- others suffered extensive damages ters live under these conditions,” he newly assigned pastor, Rev. Andreas nese. Even though his village is far for the year from the raisins he was ly home, which was quite large and rendering them uninhabitable,” wondered? Markopoulos, whose hometown of from the where the wildfires are going to sell. Now all that’s left is ash. located at the edge of the village. John Andrews, a resident of Chicago Commenting on the conse- Pyrgos, along with the surrounding burning, he’s very concerned about They lost everything, and are now When the fire reached the village, and treasurer of the Pan-Arcadian quences of the fires, he added that areas in the prefecture of Eleia, was his friends and relatives who live in forced to start their lives all over my brother tried to put out a fire Federation, told The National Her- things are difficult, people have been being directly threatened by the the area: “My town is nowhere near again from square one,” said Mrs. Pa- with a water wagon at another ald. left without homes, and he does not fires, offered prayers for the living the tragedy, but it’s still tough to padopoulos, who remained in con- house that was in danger. After a “These last few days, we’ve been know what to do or where to begin. and a memorial service for the dead watch your birthplace and country tinuous communication with local while, they told him that his house trying to learn more about the fate of “Many people are disappointed, last Sunday, August 26, while a spe- falling apart on the news,” he said. “I authorities and the prefecture of caught on fire, too. He ran and man- our relatives and fellow villagers, as but I want to believe that with the cial collection tray yielded over haven’t slept for two days, I’m glued Eleia this week to identify essential aged to save only half of the house,” well as our properties. Information help of the Greek Government and $1,000 in less than five minutes. to my television, and I’m calling needs and decide upon the best way Mr. Betenides said, adding that that has either been dribbling in, or is Greeks in the Diaspora, our brethren Rev. Emmanuel Clapsis, pastor of friends and relatives in Greece. This Greek Americans can aid the victims his brother may not have yet dis- muddled. Since there’s a power out- will find the strength to overcome the Assumption Church in Dracut, is Greece’s 9/11.” of the fire. closed the full extent of the damage age, many of the mobile phones their pain and suffering and start Massachusetts spoke to the congre- For Aristotle Bavellis of Silver Mrs. Papadopoulos met with so as not to upset him. we’re calling are not working, and as anew,” Mr. Andrews said, noting that gation at the end of services: “During Spring, Maryland the most tragic members of the Association’s board “Koutsohera is a large village. It a result, we’ve been unable to dou- during such trying times, it’s not only these difficult and tragic hours in thing is the loss of human life. “You of directors this past Monday to has 800-900 residents, and is proba- ble-check and confirm the informa- large donations that matter, but even Greece, we need more than mere can rebuild a house; you can clean arrange an emergency general as- bly the village with the largest tion,” Mr. Andrews said, adding that the few dollars every Greek Ameri- comments and lamentations show- up the mess a wildfire has caused; sembly. amount of young people who work he had to check with three different can can afford will prove helpful. ing that we are in sorrow, mourning and after a while life can get back to Constantine Lykogiannis said de- on farms, and with livestock. In our sources to learn about the fate of his “Fortunately, they managed to and the like. Now is the time for ac- normal,” he said. “But you can not tails surrounding the tragic death of village, only about 15 houses burned family’s home. evacuate my village in time, and we tion, and for us to put our hand in bring back a human life.” Mr. Bavel- a mother and four minors in the fire down, since village residents fought “Some people are telling me that didn’t mourn over any lost lives,” Mr. our pockets, and turn sermons and lis, 42, who moved to Maryland with accentuated the tragedy of the off the blazes. Fortunately, we didn’t the sheep pen burned to the ground, Andrews concluded, extending his words into practice. I had thought of his parents at two years of age, also events and made them even more mourn any victims, but there isn’t and that the house has suffered seri- condolences to the families of the passing around a special collection, said those responsible for the wild- shocking. even one tree left in the village for ous damage, while others are telling victims of this horrific tragedy which but if you do not have the money fires should be brought to justice im- “This poor mother took her chil- someone to seek shade and get out me that both the house and pen were struck Greece. with you today to reach the amount mediately. “It’s ridiculous that some dren and tried to escape from the im- of the heat,” Mr. Betenides said, burned,” he said with a shudder, not- NOTHING LEFT STANDING that I want to gather, we will do this media are still not discussing the minent danger of the fire, at the in- stressing that the people are in de- ing that he had just managed to com- The blaze passed right outside next Sunday.” possibility that that these wildfires sistence of her husband. While she spair and desperately need help and plete renovations on his family home the home of the former Pan-Arcadi- In the coffee hour that followed are due to arson. This can’t be an ac- was preparing to leave, a fellow vil- support. just one year ago. an President Demetrios Karalekas in the liturgy, after personally donating cident. It just doesn’t sound right,” lager approached her and asked her Many Greek Americans were ei- “The situation is more disastrous the village of Rapsomati, just west of a significant amount of money for he said.

ΠΑΝΗΛΕΙΑΚΟΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΣ Learn the Greek Language ΝΕΑΣ ΥΟΡΚΗΣ APPEAL Ancient Olympia, the heartland of Olympic spirit, does not exist anymore in the way we knew it. The Cronian Hill of Olympia has turned into a prey to the flames. In villages around Olympia, Ileia and St. Demetrios Hellenic Community of Astoria Peloponnese, properties, animals and souls have turned into ashes. The joyful people that used to earn their living by cultivating their land are now homeless, with no place to live, with no food, with offers weekly Greek language for adult learners no hope, no tomorrow. In the heart of Astoria, we have been teaching the Greek language to adults for They are in need and ask desperately for our help. several years. In a friendly, warm and welcoming environment you will feel right at WE APPEAL TO home, while learning Greek and understanding the culture. all people to open their hearts and place themselves in the position Our location is within walking distance from the N train, where you have access to of our victimized brothers and offer their best possible. restaurants, cafes and shops. The program is tailored to small groups and instruction is based on student’s No matter what you offer, it won’t replace all those that were taken away from them by the flames. At level, interest and requirements. Lessons incorporate learning through conversation, least, they may feel our solidarity while they live in grief. grammar and audiovisual aids. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced BROTHERS GIVE YOUR SUPPORT student, our lessons are structured to meet your needs, advance your knowledge and make it work for you. Make your check in the name PANELIAKOS SOCIETY OF N.Y. Classes are held on Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Demetrios School located P.O. Box 5819, ASTORIA, N.Y. 11105 at 30-03 30th Drive, Astoria, NY. Tuition fees are $500 per year (Sept-June). You will receive a receipt, along with a letter of thanks by the beneficiaries

For additional information and registration please call 718-728-1718 GEORGIA PAPADOPOULOU, President 6 CRISIS IN GREECE THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 Frustrated Victims Demand Answers for Insufficient Firefighting Effort Continued from page 1 Strangely enough, at the en- decried the Government for leaving trance to Aliveri, homes with rela- them “helpless.” ened the village of Setta, and the tively little damage can be seen “We saw no planes or helicopters residents criticized the water-tanker amid the scorched earth. on Sunday, when the fire was threat- planes and helicopters for failing to “We were fighting by ourselves. ening Aliveri. After everything was arrive at the scene. Nobody came. They only showed in- burned, Canadair airplanes came These are the same accusations terest in the gas station on the main along with a helicopter to put out residents of Aliveri had been making road down below. The rest of us the fire that broke out in Lata,” said during the previous days, after see- were trying to save our homes all by George Anagnostou, a local resi- ing the fire stop at the foot of the ourselves. We also had to look out dent. Mr. Anagnostou’s home was homes just inside the village, before for the homes of our neighbors who not endangered by the fire. going onto cause much greater dam- were away. Unfortunately, we could “It makes sense for the citizens to age. not salvage everything,” one of the protest. We feel their pain. We are “They let us burn. The area was villagers explained, noting that he doing whatever we can – especially burning all night long here, too, and saw the fire actually reach inside his the firefighters – but the problem is not even one fire truck came,” a res- yard. “Good thing for the sea. That’s very big,” Sergeant Demetris Anas- ident of Aliveri told the National the only place the fire stopped,” he tasiou told the Herald. Herald, shortly before leaving his said. “We have gone without sleep for home for his main residence in True enough, for many miles days now, and we still don’t know Athens. “I’m leaving because now down the seashore of Aliveri, the when we will manage to get some I’m sure that my home is not going fire’s trail ended at the beach, and rest,” he added. to burn down. Everything around it even managed to burn some of the The first aircraft arrived in Aliveri is burned already,” he said. beach chairs and umbrellas in some on Monday noon to help combat the The once lush green hill which spots. fire. A helicopter and three Canadair EUROKINISSI welcomed visitors at the north of the “We kept calling the police and water-tanker planes which were Grief spreads throughout Evia. There is no consolation anyone can offer the mother of one of the five vol- village is now burned to a crisp. As fire department, and nobody picked part of the aid France sent to Greece unteer firefighters who were burned alive last Sunday in the fires which raged across Evia. They were the road winds from Amarynthos up. We didn’t know what to do,” were constantly dousing the fire buried this past Monday, August 27, in the village of Mistros in Evia. and heads to Aliveri, flurries of ash said a woman named Evangelia, with water. covered everything in sight, causing who ran to the seashore with her The help they offered was essen- refugees are shown despondently tives. fighting the blazes for hours on end painful stinging in the eyes. Mean- grandchildren in search of safety, tial when considering that the Greek leaving their land. Exhausted; Even the residents who joined in would think that they were lazy or while, the blackness which filled the while her husband was trying to firefighters seemed fatigued and flushed from the fire; and filled with the firefight looked worn out. They disinterested. A Canadair plane pro- entire area could already be seen save their house from burning worn out. ashes, with smudges on their clothes didn’t even have the strength left to vided the solution with the six tons from many miles away, practically down. In fact, the images of them being and faces, on top of everything else, put out a fire which was burning a of water it carried in its tank, which from the moment drivers left These were not the only com- brought to the scene of the fire in the beleaguered firefighters had to in- small tree on the hill, just a few short it used to put out a fire which would Athens’ city limits and approached plaints launched by local residents. back of a fire truck was reminiscent cur the wrath of the people, who see miles from their city. Those who did- have ordinarily required only a cou- . Everyone who spoke to the Herald of far off battle scenes, where the them as Government representa- n’t know that these people had been ple of gallons. Paradise Lost: Hopelessness Reigns in Fire-Struck Areas as Residents Try to Cope

Continued from page 1 her eyes, which were red and irritat- is difficult enough during the day, ed from all the smoke, attested to all since it is a 9-mile uphill wind. highway, the ominous dark cloud of she was telling us. “The employees Around midnight, the trunks of trees smoke which has become all too fa- are not enough. They had to go and on both sides of the road were still miliar to residents of Greece this try to salvage their own homes,” a la- burning, while failing to provide the year, made its appearance. It came dy alongside her said, commenting slightest help along the dark road, from a fire just outside of Corinth. on the need to protect the famous ar- since there was almost zero visibility Another fire was also burning near chaeological site. due to the smoke. Kiato. Mr. Voulgarakis left amid jeers, Driving became even more diffi- There were at least three sites while the reporters and television cult because of tree branches which along the drive where the aftermath crews continued their work. They had fallen on the road, along with of previous forest fires was clearly have been in the area for three days, rocks from the mountain. visible. The merciless flames had sleepless and exhausted. The further up we went, the more made their way through the area just Leaving ancient Olympia behind, difficult the road became to cross. a few days before, but the rest of the we headed to Zaharo – perhaps the The turns became greater, as did the journey was idyllic. The wind blew most badly ravaged of all the areas. number of burning trees – or what the clouds far above the Gulf of In Pyrgos, there was a lot of action was left of them – on the left side of Corinth, allowing swimmers and outside the offices of the local news- the road. Passing a small bridge on sunbathers to enjoy their day at the paper, Patris. The fire may not have the border of the district of beach. There were even some boats threatened the capital of Eleia, but Faskomelia, a burning branch had treading through the crystal blue sea. the residents remained uneasy. There fallen from the steep slope right A few miles further down stood the were still fires burning in the area. above us, blocking the left lane of the impressive new Rio-Antirio bridge – “All this is happening so they can road. The landscape was blurry from one of the largest suspension bridges take advantage of it before the elec- the smoke, which was growing heav- in the world. Nothing foreshadowed tions,” Rania, 25, told us at the kiosk ier and heavier. the disaster which would follow. we stopped at for some water. “In my The sound of burning trees is un- As we passed through the first few mother’s village, which is a couple of canny, especially when their branch- tunnels due south and left Pelopon- miles from here, we stayed up the en- es break from the fire. About ten nesos’ largest city of Patras behind, tire night. There was no electricity, yards behind us, right next to a small traffic began to clear up on the way to and we had no updates, so I would burning branch, was the blazing Pyrgos, capital of the prefecture of wake up every so often to see where trunk of the rest of the tree, which Eleia. The first of the desolate ashen the fire is. My family had the hose out completely blocked off the lane lead- scenes made its appearance to our the entire night. Nobody should go to ing downhill. left, at the top of a hill. The fire which vote,” she concluded. Just then, an automobile was caused it clearly threatened houses, We entered into the municipality heading down, and together with as was evident from the burned trail of Zaharo a little after ten o’clock at both of its passengers – a TV crew – it left behind after it was finally put AP/PETROS GIANNAKOURIS night. The smoke made the area we tried to move the trunk by grab- out. The winged statue of victory stands in front of smoke from fires in the village of ancient Olympia last Sun- seem foggy, and visibility was very bing it from the end which had not We stopped off for gas and water day, August 26. A massive effort by firefighters, assisted by water-dropping aircraft, succeeded in keeping low. Burned trees were visible to the yet caught ablaze. Our efforts were at Kavasila, a short while from Amali- a raging blaze away from the 2,800-year-old site - the holiest sanctuary of ancient Greece. left and right of the road. A little fur- unsuccessful, and we called the Po- ada. The smoke on the horizon to- ther down from Lake Kaiafas, some lice and Fire Departments – thankful- wards the south had begun to appear further down leading to a traffic jam. to Mr. Voulgarakis that the museum vocally. “You came to make state- restaurant owners remained vigilant ly there was reception – and in- heavier and greater. A few yards further ahead, flames remained unscathed thanks to the ments, and now you are leaving? with their families outside of their formed them about what happened. Behind the hospital in , were threatening homes, and resi- heroic efforts of all who fought off the Stay and see the damage in the sur- property, listening to news about the The road was reopened an hour later. almost 2 miles further down, a vora- dents were desperately pleading with fire. rounding villages,” a local resident forest fires raging throughout Meanwhile, we continued on our cious fire devoured everything in its police to let them pass. Inside the museum, Mr. Voulgar- yelled out with resentment, after see- Greece. They had their water hoses way to Figaleia. As we entered the sight atop the hill where the Frangav- Some pulled at their hair in de- akis made his first statements to re- ing his property go up in smoke. next to them the whole time. district of Figaleia, just a little before illa Monastery stood – which was spair, while calmer folks simply porters regarding the destruction Many others chimed in. Many people gathered in the our final destination, we saw a small evacuated. The townspeople seemed watched what was happening and from the fires which hit the area. He “Where was the government town’s cafes to watch the news on lantern which was lit to the right of calm as they stayed behind to watch patiently waited, unable to do any- then entered the vehicle Deputy Fire when we needed it,” one of them television. As the night wore on, Za- the road. what would happen. Aircraft aided thing else. Despite the agony every- Chief Fotis Pappas was riding in, and asked? “The homes in the surround- haro was still abuzz. The same held We stopped and saw a gas station. firefighters in their attempts to put one felt, one cry stood out. A woman the two men headed back to the town ing villages are in flames. The fire true at the local police station. After All five members of the owner’s fami- out the fire, but the front seemed suffered an epileptic seizure, and her square. reached the homes. All the firefight- the final orders had been given, with ly – he was sleeping in his office at the large. “The fire has been burning for relatives called for an ambulance, “We have been here for three ers were in ancient Olympia, and we safety being the top priority, officers gas station, after fighting off the three days now. It is heading south which arrived immediately and took days,” Mr. Pappas told the National were putting out fires by ourselves. set off on their late night patrol. flames the entire day – and a few today,” two old men commented just her to the nearest hospital. Herald. “The fire company at Ancient They could have at least protected Despite the increased workload of friends stayed awake and on guard, outside Amaliada, as they pointed to Some news crews also remained Olympia consists of 12 men, but is the site properly. The surrounding recent days, the police captain and as the fire could start up again at any the monastery. They showed us the “trapped” at the intersection in Var- supported by part-time firefighters area has been burned to a crisp,” An- other officers provided an invaluable moment. road to get closer to the scene. vasena for about half an hour, until who work in the summer. A 60-man tonis Karetsos, 23, told the Herald, service to the Herald. They gave all “The Government wanted us to At the same time, a few miles fur- the road was once again reopened to force was here today. Unfortunately, enraged and in despair. the necessary information about burn. That is what you should tell our ther down, a fire was raging in an- traffic. To our left, electricians were there were material damages, and The local candidate from the main what had occurred in Zaharo, which fellow Greeks in America,” said a fel- cient Olympia – the birthplace of the trying to repair damages to one of the fire also reached homes,” he opposition party running in the pre- mourned more victims from the for- low around 50 years old, who wished Olympic games. The villages sur- their polls. added, noting that the Fire Depart- fecture of Eleia did not “escape” the est fires than any other part of to remain anonymous. He was a rounding the world-famous archaeo- At the next turn, a lumber factory ment would continue doing its duty local residents’ wrath either. “Their Greece. friend of the family and stopped as he logical site had been overtaken by was burning to the ground, while the “until it put outs every last flame.” behavior is a provocation. They go The municipality lost nearly 40 of was driving by to see if they needed flames, and the museum was in dan- first helicopters appeared on the Some of the fires in the surround- wherever the television cameras its citizens in the fire, including a anything. “The fire spread so quickly, ger. On the road to Pyrgos and an- scene to help put out the fires. They ing hills had started up again, but for- are,” someone from the crowd re- mother and her four children. you would have thought there was cient Olympia, there were dozens of were combating the fire in ancient tunately, the wind started to die marked. There were 1,300 calls placed to gasoline in front of it,” he said. cars parked left and right, as people Olympia since morning. The center down. It was twilight by then, and The museum curator tried to the police station on the day the fire Others invited us to sit down and watched the burning hilltops nearby. of town was deserted. Most of the the aerial support would soon stop. gather any volunteers who still had struck the area asking for help or in- rest next to them. They did not com- Some people even started wetting stores were closed, and only a hand- This increased the anxiety among the strength. “We have been here for formation. plain about anything. They did not their yards and the perimeter of their ful of pedestrians were in the streets. residents of the surrounding villages three days trying to avoid the worst. There is no sign of arson in Za- place blame on anyone. They seemed homes, even though the fire was still The fire appeared to have reached who were in ancient Olympia. We are very tired,” she told the Her- haro, as we were told at the police tired, but they were in a pleasant several miles away. the first homes. There was nothing Following some statements Mr. ald. The scratches on her hands – station. The wind led the flames in mood. But their smiles and humor Two young girls appeared to be but ashes left from one home’s sup- Voulgarakis made to the press, the likely from her efforts to snuff out any this direction and fanned them. Panic likely concealed their hopelessness filled with terror. One was literally porting columns, while the residents residents made their protests known stray flames with tree branches – and set in and the police were called to and despair. buried in the other’s arms, as they started looking over whatever was bring order and warn the people to “We put the fire out by ourselves, watched the menacing flames in awe left from their property. evacuate certain villages. But some with branches. That is how we will and cried. There was a lot of action in the people adamantly refused to leave, deal with it again if it rekindles,” said Police were attending to traffic town square just before the main ar- as they attempted to save their liveli- one young man from the group. “For and informing drivers about road chaeological site. Television crews, hood. The area – beloved to locals three days now, firefighters have closings. The buses were running on volunteer groups, disaster-relief and visitors alike – was transformed been doing all that they can, too,” the their regular schedules, and many crews, police, firefighters and ordi- to a fiery inferno, leaving nothing but owner’s wife added. roads were still open, but increasing- nary citizens filled the area. The fire a trail of black cinder. Dozens of None of them wanted to have ly began to fill with red fire trucks which burned menacingly around homes burned down. Millions of their names printed or be pho- and yellow ambulances. These were the museum seemed to be dying out, trees were charred. The conse- tographed. “It is a painful moment also easier to spot than the other au- but the helicopters continued drop- quences to the area’s tourist industry, for us, and this is no time for pic- tomobiles in the smoky atmosphere. ping water in the surrounding area. and its beautiful beaches – which is tures,” the owner’s eldest daughter Some trucks with water reservoirs We headed down to the site, where where the fire finally stopped ad- said. We could do nothing but respect stopped alongside nearby ponds and several firefighters were irrigating vancing – are expected to be disas- their wishes. lakes to refill. We were approaching the area to make certain there was no trous. Figaleia was but a few miles away. the fronts, where the largest forest chance the fire would restart. Mean- Despondency overcame indigna- Some residents from the village’s first fires were burning. while, volunteers began to take off tion. Residents ran from the moun- houses wet the road with hoses, and We made it to Varvasena, about the protective rags covering their tains. They had no phones with a driver informed us that they finally 8.5 miles from ancient Olympia, at faces. They were preparing to rest for which to call their relatives. managed to keep the fire outside of around 6:30 PM. Four and a half a little while. It must have been shortly past the village. Although local authorities hours had passed since we left At the museum entrance stood midnight when the captain of the Za- have not attributed this fire to arson, Athens, including stops for news cov- Greek Culture Minister George Voul- haro Police Department was in- the residents remained skeptical. In erage and rest breaks. Traffic began garakis, accompanied by his min- formed about the fire which broke fact, they even stopped us to ask for to increase, and a patrol car had istry’s secretary general, Christos Za- out in the district of Figaleia. A televi- identification, and allowed us to pass closed the road at an intersection. chopoulos, the local Police Captain, AP/NICOS GIAKOUMIDES sion station was reporting that the only after we showed them our iden- The air grew heavier, and many dri- and the Deputy Chief of the Fire De- Firefighters are pictured in front of a blaze outside Andritsena village fire had reached the village square, tification. vers were wearing surgical masks to partment. Standing alongside them in the Peloponnese this past Monday, August 27. Several villages in and that the villagers were desper- “Forgive me, but you see what is help them breath easier. was Mrs. Hatzi, the museum curator the area were evacuated as massive forest fires, fanned by strong ately seeking help. going on,” one of the villagers told An electrical wire fell a few yards in Ancient Olympia, who explained winds, swept through large tracts of southern Greece. The road from Zaharo to Figaleia me. Who could blame him? THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 CRISIS IN GREECE 7 Foreign Firefighters Help Greece Battle the Flames, As Death Toll Climbs to 64

By Elena Becatoros copters on Monday, August 27, to Associated Press support the firefighting effort. Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime ATHENS (AP) – Foreign firefighters Verhagen said Holland would send and aircraft joined the battle this two Cougar firefighting heli- past Tuesday, August 28, against copters. blazes in southern Greece and offi- Switzerland said it was sending cials expressed optimism that wild- four Superpuma helicopters to help fires burning some of the country's with carrying water to douse the lushest landscape could be brought fires. The first, based in Kosovo under partial control. with the Swiss army, arrived in Firefighters and aircraft sent by Greece this past Monday. Three Greece's allies and friends joined more left Switzerland were expect- the fight last Sunday, August 26, ed to arrive on Tuesday. against the country's worst wild- Cyprus had already sent 30 fire- fires in decades. fighters and 29 civil defense per- A Russian aircraft group had al- sonnel, along with six firefighting ready been there, helping the vehicles. About 25 more firefight- Greeks since the end of July in their ers who specialize in forest fires left fight against fire outbreaks. The Greece last Sunday with five vehi- fires increased dramatically last cles. The Cypriot Government said AP/NATALIE RENDEVSKI SAVARICAS Friday and continue to rage in it was ready to provide camp beds, A Canadair airplane flies over Athens last Saturday, August 25. Authorities evacuated nuns from a convent and closed off a major highway on many areas, killing dozens of peo- blankets, medicines and medical Mount Ymittos near Athens as flames approached the capital's eastern outskirts, damaging buildings in the suburb of Papagou, near the Greek ple. personnel, if they were requested. Pentagon. No injuries were reported. Six firefighting aircraft, diverted from the fires in the south, were operating over the area, while clouds The Russian group includes two Eighteen Hungarian firefighters of thick smoke billowed over Athens, as more than 170 blazes raged through the country. heavy firefighting helicopters, two and one doctor traveled to Greece Mi-8 helicopters and a multifunc- on Monday morning in two fire en- broke out from Monday to Tuesday. winds and temperatures, especially trunks, gutted houses and charred could not be coincidence that so tional amphibian plane. Last Friday gines and two cars with backup The worst were concentrated in the in the Athens region. animal carcasses. many fires broke out simultaneous- and Saturday, August 24-25, Russ- equipment and supplies, officials mountains of the Peloponnese in From the northern border with The destruction and deaths have ly in so many areas of the country. ian aircraft fought fires in the Pelo- said. the south and on the island of Evia Albania to the southern island of infuriated Greeks, already stunned But Greece's main opposition ponnese, the worst-hit area. The Greece had asked the European north of Athens, spokesman Nikos Crete, fires ravaged forests and by deadly forest fires in June and Socialist Party demanded that amphibian plane was used Satur- Union last Friday to request water- Diamandis said. farmland. Residents used garden July, and appear likely to Karamanlis provide proof that day to put out a serious fire on the bombing aircraft from member na- He said most of the efforts hoses, buckets, tin cans and political debate before early gener- there was such a plan. Socialist Par- slope of Mount Ymittos and in the tions. would be concentrated in those two branches in desperate – and some- al elections scheduled for Septem- ty leader George Papandreou also Athens suburb of Papagou. The E.U. said the response from regions, with most of the firefight- times futile – attempts to save their ber 16. Many blamed the conserva- charged that government officials France, Spain, Portugal, Norway its members has been the biggest ers who have arrived from 17 coun- homes and livelihoods. tive government for failing to re- were somehow trying to blame the and Italy contributed Canadair wa- offer of assistance to a member tries operating in the Peloponnese. In some villages, firefighters spond quickly enough. opposition for the fires. ter tank aircraft; Serbia, Germany, state since the E.U. set up a civil A group of 55 Israeli firefighters sent helicopters or vehicles to evac- The government, which de- In the past, unscrupulous land the Netherlands and Slovenia were protection mechanism in 2001. would be used to assist in combat- uate the residents, only to find peo- clared a state of emergency over developers have been blamed for sending other aircraft, and Roma- Greece also braced for the eco- ing one of the worst fires in Kreste- ple insisting on staying to fight the the weekend, said arson might setting fires in an attempt to cir- nia and Israel other assistance. nomic impact of the worst wildfires na, near Ancient Olympia. Large blaze. have been the cause of the fires, cumvent laws which do not allow also sent a tanker plane. in memory, with the Greek Govern- parts of the world heritage site, "We are asking people to be and several people have been ar- construction on forest land. Greece Some of the aircraft were already at ment budgeting nearly a third of a which was the birthplace of the calm and to follow orders," Dia- rested. A prosecutor on Monday or- has no land registry, so once a re- work in Greece and the rest of the billion euros for immediate relief. Olympic Games, were burned over mandis said. dered an investigation into gion has been burned, there is no assistance is due to arrive soon. The bill was expected to be much the weekend. A helicopter airlifted five people whether arson attacks could come definitive proof of whether it was Austria said Sunday it was send- higher, the Finance Ministry said. Diamandis said that 18 planes to safety Monday from the village under Greece's anti-terrorism and initially forest, farm or field. ing two army helicopters, a trans- The fires began about five days ago, and 18 helicopters – including four of Prasidaki in southern Greece, organized crime laws. "This is an immense ecological port plane and 20 firefighters. and have killed at least 64 people from Switzerland – would be used fire department spokesman Yiannis Police announced vehicle bans disaster," said Theodota Nantsou, Sixty French firefighters special- and burned olive groves, forest and in the southern firefighting effort. Stamoulis said. Another was sent to in some wooded areas which have World Wildlife Fund Greece Conser- izing in helicopter missions flew to orchards in southern Greece. "The picture we have gives us the village of Frixa, but the resi- so far remained unscathed by fire vation Manager. "We had an explo- Elefsis air base near Athens early The mayor of Zaharo, in the some optimism" in the south, Dia- dents refused to leave, he said. in the mountains around the capi- sive mixture of very adverse weath- last Sunday. France had already western Peloponnese, said the body mandis said. "We have a good pic- The destruction was so exten- tal, including a road leading to er conditions, tinder-dry forests – to sent four Canadair planes last Sat- of a missing shepherd had been ture and hope for some good re- sive that authorities said they had Athens' main casino on Mount Par- an extent not seen for many years – urday. found. Rescuers were still search- sults." no way of knowing how much has nitha. Athens saw vast swaths of combined with the wild winds of the French Prime Minister Francois ing for another shepherd who went Diamandis asked people to heed burned – or how many people had forest and shrubland on three of past two weeks. It's a recipe to burn Fillon spoke by telephone with his missing in the nearby village of instructions from authorities and been injured. the four mountains ringing the the whole country." Greek counterpart, assuring him Artemida, where 23 people includ- evacuate villages when asked to do New blazes broke out faster sprawling capital go up in flames that France was prepared to send ing a mother and her four children so. Greece's civil defense agency than others could be brought under this past June. Associated Press writers Nicholas more aid if it was needed. died last Friday. said there was a high risk of fires control, leaving behind a devastat- Last Saturday, August 25, Prime Paphitis and Patrick Quinn in Germany sent three CH-53 heli- The fire department said 56 fires across the country because of high ed landscape of blackened tree Minister Costas Karamanlis said it Athens contributed to this report. Omogenia Mobilizes to Aid Victims of Forest Fires, AHEPA and SAE Lead the Way

Continued from page 1 zation), also issued a statement ex- Our cultural heritage was also threat- pressing sympathy and support for ened, as flames surrounded the ar- who traveled to Washington earlier Greece and the Greek people chaeological site of ancient Olympia. this past Tuesday, August 28, to meet throughout during this time of trial Our grief and sorrow are profound. with State Department officials and and suffering. Healing the scars of this unprece- Greek Ambassador to the U.S. “Our thoughts and prayers are dented disaster will require our con- Alexandros Mallias. with the citizens of the Hellenic Re- certed efforts.” “We have all witnessed the incred- public who have lost loved ones, or The Federation of Hellenic Soci- ible images of the damaging forest have lost their homes to the devastat- eties of Greater New York’s Board of fires that have ravaged southern ing fires that have blazed through Directors held an emergency meeting Greece. We’re in touch with officials southern Greece. We offer our con- at its Stathakion Center headquarters at the State Department to help de- cern and empathize with Greece. We in Astoria this past Tuesday, and termine what sort of help the United also praise the courageous forestry opened accounts at the following five States can provide Greece. I’m travel- service firefighters and Greek sol- banks for people to donate: ing to Washington today, so that I can diers who are putting their lives on 1. Atlantic Bank (account be in constant touch with Govern- the line to tame and extinguish the #0009081631). ment officials in order to get Greece fires. We deeply appreciate all the 2. Marathon Bank (account all the help she needs. We’re in touch countries that have provided assis- #1000029867). with Ambassador Mallias and mak- tance to the Greek Government in 3. Commerce Bank (account ing inquiries with the Greek Govern- this time of great need. We hope that #7922703702). ment to explore how we can offer our all of their combined efforts will 4. BCP Millennium Bank (ac- resources to help our brothers and spare further widespread damage count #1330002679). sisters in Greece. We’re also reaching and destruction. We share also share 5. First Central Savings Bank out to domestic agencies to see if we AHEPA’s position that those individu- (account #0700002140). can encourage or help sponsor their als responsible for these immensely Federation officials also convened participation,” Mr. Gulas told the Na- destructive fires are brought to jus- a special meeting at the Stathakion tional Herald. tice,” she said, adding that she was Center this past Wednesday, August “Our thoughts and prayers are trying to reach the Daughters’ district 29, urged “all the presidents and rep- with those families who have lost governor in Greece in order to assess AP/NICOS GIAKOUMIDES resentatives of Hellenic American or- loved ones or their properties and how families are affected in the fire- Greek soldiers walk on a street of Kapsala village during a fire on the island of Evia island, north of Athens, ganizations, members and non- possessions due to these tragic damaged areas. last Sunday, August 26. The Greek Government called a national state of emergency, as massive forest fires members of the Federation of Hel- events. We commend the valiant ef- The U.S.-based humanitarian aid wreaked havoc on the Hellenic countryside, taking lives and causing billions in damages. lenic Societies alike, to discuss and forts of the brave forestry service fire- organization, International Ortho- decide, all together, how to best coor- fighters and Greek soldiers who are dox Christian Charities, is also re- speakable scheme of arsons. The of Foreign Affairs has set up a call tims of Fire” at the Bank of Greece dinate efforts to support our compa- battling these catastrophic fires, pro- sponding to the tragedy, and is plan- sheer magnitude of this catastrophe center especially for them. (SWIFT: BNGRGRAA, IBAN: GR triots in Greece.” tecting the citizens; Greece’s rich his- ning on providing relief supplies and is simply unthinkable. Immediate re- The phone line (01-30-210-368- 9801000230000002341103053), to The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese tory; and her antiquities,” he said. technical assistance to all those citi- sponse to this unprecedented disas- 1912) was up and running on a 24- which funds can be transferred in any of America also established a special “AHEPA is also very grateful to the zens affected by the fires. “As we ter is our national duty. We have a du- hour basis this past Wednesday, Au- currency set up by the Greek Finance fire relief fund, and is asking Greek various countries – Austria, Cyprus, mourn the loss of life and sympathize ty to share and contribute, in any gust 28, and will serve as a gateway Ministry. Orthodox faithful across the country the Czech Republic, Denmark, Fin- with those who have had to flee from manner humanly possible within our for forwarding any questions, queries “During the last few days, Greece to send their contributions to the land, France, Germany, Hungary, Ice- their homes, we are mobilizing our means, and with all our strength.” or offers to the operationally compe- has been in the grip of unspeakable Archdiocese at 8 E. 79th Street, New land, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, emergency response through our In order to facilitate the flow of in- tent services. tragedy,” Ambassador Mallias said. York, NY 10075-0106 (make checks Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, IOCC Athens office and coordinating formation to Greeks abroad with re- The Greek Embassy in Washing- “Forests of once-exceptional natural payable to “Greek Fire Relief Fund”). Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland with the Greek Orthodox Archdio- gard to the catastrophic fires which ton released a statement asking beauty have gone up in flames. Entire To contribute online, please visit the – and to all nations who continue an- cese of America,” said IOCC Execu- have been raging in our country for Greek Americans to donate to a “Spe- villages have been ravaged by fire, as web at www.goarch.org to make a swering Prime Minister Costas Kara- tive Director Constantine M. Tri- the past few days, the Greek Ministry cial Account for the Relief of the Vic- we mourn the death of 64 persons. donation by credit card. manlis’ call for international assis- antafilou. tance by providing water-dropping “More than 60 people have lost aircraft,” Mr. Gulas added. their lives; others remain missing; AHEPA is also calling on all Amer- and Greece’s emergency response ca- ican firefighters who are willing and pabilities are stretched to their lim- •ANNOUNCEMENT• its,” said IOCC Athens Office Director able to join other firefighters from HERA SAMBAZIOTIS, MD, MPH, FACOG around the world help put out the Despina Katsivelakis. “These fires is pleased to announce to the communities fires which have plagued Greece for have devastated large areas of of Queens and Long Island the opening of her practice. over two weeks, he said. Greece since last Friday (August She is available for consultation at the following addresses: “Right now, Greece is in desperate 24).” need of firefighters and other fire HOW TO HELP ΒAYSIDE LAKE SUCCESS equipment. At this point, we’re look- The Hellenic American National 44-01 Francis Lewis Boulevard 2800 Marcus Avenue, Suite 204 ing for trained firefighters, preferably Council also released a statement Bayside, NY 11361 Lake Success, NY 11042 Greek Americans who can get on lo- signed by HANC President Em- www.GreekKitchennyc.com cation and help with the wildfires. manuel Velivasakis and General Sec- Tel. 718-352-1400 Tel. 516-437-2020 • Fax 516-437-2019 We’re not looking for volunteers. retary Paul Kotrotsios, calling on the We’re not looking for people who just Greek American community to step The practice offers the following: want to help. We need trained, pro- up and help those impacted by the • Obstetrical and Gynecologic Ultrasound •3D and 4D imaging fessional firefighters, and the State fires. • Gynecologic surgery •HPV testing •HPV vaccine Department can help us find them,” “The picture of Greece in flames; • Family Planning/Contraception •Evaluation & Treatment of Infertility he said, adding that those who are the decimated forests; the burned vil- • Preconception Counseling & Complete Obstetrical Care, etc… guilty of committing arson need to be lages; the unequalled battle with the • Appointments preferred arrested and convicted for their fires; and the pain and suffering you • Convenient office hours, including evenings and Saturdays, available heinous crimes against the mother- see smothered on each and every • Most insurances accepted land. compatriot’s face incite our indescrib- “Finally, we hope the individuals able grief,” they said. “They cause responsible for these deplorable acts sheer agony for the tremendous eco- are apprehended and brought to jus- logical catastrophe and the dire con- tice,” he said. sequences our ancestral homeland Karen Stamatiades, Grand Presi- and its people. We have to face this www.thenationalherald.com dent of the Daughters of Penelope crisis together, with questions for the (AHEPA’s women’s auxiliary organi- people who orchestrated this un- 8 CRISIS IN GREECE THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 During Fire Catastrophe, Wine Saves a Man’s Life, But a Mother’s Arms Can Not Save Her Children By Ian Fisher cue workers later found at least 23 tions, while fire trucks spewed wa- Mr. Kokkaliaris managed to douse And Anthee Carassava bodies in an olive grove scraped ter in the flames’ path. his home, and two next door, well raw by flames. Among the dead “All we need is one of those,” enough that the fires howled past, were four children, their mother’s said one owner, Yannis Dracopou- leaving his house intact. MAKISTOS, Greece – When the body wrapped around them. los, 72, as a Russian plane carrying But when it was over, he did not water ran out, with pinecones pop- These are stories Europe is no an industrial-sized water bucket feel relief. ping and the flames still high longer used to hearing about itself, passed. “If he dropped it here, it “I was disappointed, honestly,” around his house, George Di- believing that in the developed would all have been fine.” he said, “because not only was mopoulos switched to wine. He world, problems like forest fires In Artemida and here in Mak- there no one to help me, there was made it himself two years ago, and can be solved and, if not, it’s be- istos, the flames were already out, no one in sight. Am I just standing nearly alone in his village as it all cause someone has not done his and Monday was instead a day for here alone? What happened to all but burned down last Friday night, job. And though Southern Europe tallying the damage and preparing my fellow townsmen? What is the August 24, he poured liter after has been hit with drought this year, to bury the dead. purpose of life if I am all alone?” liter, 200 in all, into his little copper and high winds spread the flames “What is there to say,” asked Efs- The fire quickly ripped into hand-pumped crop sprayer, and faster than cars could drive, the tathios Alexandropoulos in the hill- Artemida, about two miles away. sprayed and sprayed. government of Prime Minister top cemetery in Artemida? With a Many residents piled into cars and “I had nothing else,” said Mr. Di- Costas Karamanlis is facing a crisis small crew of helpers, he and a headed down the road toward Za- mopoulos, 63. over whether it was up to the task brother were laying the concrete haro, the area’s main town, on the His wine helped save his life, his of handling the fires. blocks for a single crypt to hold his . house and possibly his neighbor- A very angry Mr. Dimopoulos son, Phillipos, 6; a niece, Ioanna, They never made it; fire had hood. But it was an exception in thinks not. This past Monday, Au- also 6; and his mother, also named swept across the road, blocking it. this village and the one next door, gust 27, he strapped his crop Ioanna. In the smoke and confusion, there Artemida, where the death toll ac- sprayer to his back again and began was an accident between the cars counts for nearly half the 63 people a lesson on how to put out fires. and a fire truck. Townspeople said now reported dead from Greece’s “Bring Karamanlis here, and I Among the dead were that everyone in the convoy then worst fires in more than a century. will take him by the hair and show four children, a mother’s fled into the olive grove, where Most of the villagers died on the him how I did it,” he roared, squirt- they died. AP/PETROS GIANNAKOURIS run. An elderly brother and sister, ing a bit of water, now available body wrapped around Now the once-lovely hills are ABOVE: A relative reacts next to damaged cars in Artemida village unmarried and living together, fled again, on his woodpile (wine is them... they had been burnt to white ash, populated only near Zaharo, 224 miles southwest of Athens, last Saturday, August 25. but would not leave behind their mostly water, and thus can also on vacation together by the blackened skeletons of olive The death toll from forest fires which raged uncontrolled across vast only donkey. A convoy trying to douse flames). trees. All but 14 of the 60 homes swathes of southern Greece killed more than 60 people. Casualties in- outrace the flames snarled into a The Greek Government, facing from Athens here were seriously damaged or de- cluded several children. BELOW: A badly injured sheep tries to stand crash, surrounded by a fire so hot it elections next month and seeking stroyed; in Artemida, 17 of the 70 up as one of the seven children of the Skoutsouris family who lost their liquefied metal and bubbled wind- to deflect criticism, has blamed ar- Up the hill, workers were houses were lost. The house of the house and all their possessions looks on, in the small village of Livada- shields like grilled cheese. Those in son, reportedly arresting seven preparing the grave for Athanasia teacher, Ms. Karta- ki about 237 miles southwest of Athens this past Monday, August 27. the cars fled up a slope, where res- people suspected of setting various Karta-Paraskevopoulou, a 35-year- Paraskevopoulou, was intact. fires. Adding to conspiracy theories old teacher, and the four children The region normally produces spread by the Greek news media – she shielded as the flames closed in 10,000 tons of oil, but nearly all the including one that the fires were on them: Angeliki, 15; Maria, 12; olive trees are now destroyed, started as a hostile act from abroad Anastasia, about 10; and Constan- along with countless livelihoods. – a Greek prosecutor on Monday tinos, 5. They had been on vacation Charred donkeys and chickens lit- ordered an investigation into from Athens. ter ruined farms. whether those responsible might be “Before you could say ‘fire,’ it “This village is literally wiped prosecuted under the nation’s anti- was here,” Vassiliki Bammi, 62, a out,” Ms. Bammi said. “It’s not just terrorism laws. resident of Artemida, said in the those who have been killed. Those Fire officials began to speak leveled town square. who are left have no fields to work with optimism on Monday that, at a The descriptions from people in, no olive trees. They have noth- minimum, the blazes were spread- who saw it were the same: flames ing to look forward to.” ing less rapidly, while the nation’s moving at an unimaginable rate, In late afternoon, Mr. Dimopou- fire brigades and army continued and no one apart from the police to los’ wife, Maria, 56, placed white to try to control the fires, aided by help. daisies on the spot where her other European firefighters and air- The fire reportedly came over a cousins Nicos and Maria Dimopou- craft, as well as scores of citizen ridge first to Makistos, a village of los, the unmarried brother and sis- brigades. Most of the blazes were 60 homes. Antonios Kokkaliaris, ter, both in their seventies, had here on the Peloponnesian penin- 80, a farmer, said he had been read- died. The three had been fleeing sula, although others burned on the ing his newspaper, underlining the fire when a police officer island of Euboia, north of Athens. parts he liked, when he heard the stopped and urged them to get into For the first time since the blazes bell in Saint John’s Church ring. his car. erupted on Friday, some progress “I went out, and I saw the flames Ms. Dimopoulos did, but her was reported: while 44 out-of-con- before me and people running,” he cousins did not want to leave their trol fires were reported on Sunday, said. He could not leave, he said, donkey, their only possession of the number dropped by ten on because his wife, Koula, 82, is se- value. Monday, aided by a second day of verely disabled. “I told you, ‘Come with me,’ ” calm winds. “I told her, ‘Stay put, we’re going she said, laying the flowers down The danger had by no means to fight this out.’ I grabbed onto the next to the dead donkey on the side passed. In the village of Grillos, just hose and I started dousing left, of the road. “You wouldn’t come. over a ridge from here on the west- right and center.” Why wouldn’t you come?” ern peninsula, a couple which owns The town emptied, with only a restaurant watched in tears as him, a herdsman and Mr. Dimopou- The New York Times published flames advanced from three direc- los with his wine staying behind. the above on August 28. Government Points to Arson as the Cause As Flames Approached, a Greek Mother

By Nicholas Paphitis Wildlife Fund said it was too early to areas for development," he said. Associated Press draw conclusions on the fires' causes. "These are mountainous regions Had to Make Life and Death Decisions "Generally, arson is suspected in where land is not that valuable." ATHENS (AP) – The government an- most cases, but not proven, while the Whatever the causes, experts By John F.L. Ross miles away. more fortunate. nounced this past Monday, August second most frequent cause is when agree that the fires are leaving a terri- Associated Press Writer "There were two roads to choose "I saw the flames about 150 me- 27, that it has enlisted intelligence incendiary devices are found," said ble legacy for generations to come. from – there was no other alternative ters (500 feet) away. We got in the and counterterrorism agents to foil WWF Greece Conservation Manager "Beyond the environmental con- ARTEMIDA, Greece (AP) – The out of town. If you went down the car, drove about 10 meters (30 feet), what it sees as a deliberate plan to de- Theodota Nantsou. She said the most sequences, these fires have a caused mother of four must have agonized road, you died. If you went on the and then the flames suddenly grew stroy Greek forests. But independent common motives for arson were ille- an irreparable social and economic as the wall of flames swept through upper road, you lived," village presi- huge," he said. "We abandoned the experts offered a simpler answer: gal land development and disputes catastrophe," Bokaris said. the heavily forested mountain to- dent George Korifas said. car and crawled through the woods, Draw up a national forest registry. between neighbors, while pyromani- Nikos Haralambidis, director of ward her holiday home in southern Tzevelekou said her friend "was a about 400 meters (1,300 feet), arm At least 64 people have died over acs were responsible for about 5 per- Greenpeace Greece, said efforts Greece – should she flee the ap- very good woman. What happened in arm so that if we died, we would the past several days as Greece's cent. would have to focus on rebuilding proaching fire or not? was so tragically unfortunate." die together." worst fires in living memory obliter- Nantsou said some fires may have the shattered rural economy. "Other- Athanasia Paraskevopoulou, 37, According to residents and res- The couple managed to reach the ated swaths of forests and emptied been set by prospective developers wise, thousands of people will move had apparently tried to gauge where cuers, the leading part of the convoy upper road, and safety. villages from Evros in the north to the seeking to build on former forest land to cities as environmental refugees the inferno was headed last Friday, apparently crashed into a fire truck "It is incredible that villagers western islands of Corfu and Kefalo- – particularly in high-value coastal who lack a livelihood," he said. August 24, toward her home in speeding toward the village. The should abandon their homes by road nia, and the Peloponnese in the areas and near Athens – warning that "About 110 villages have been totally Artemida or away from it. truck overturned, blocking part of in convoys without a fire truck to south. forest protection laws are laxly en- destroyed, together with crops, olive "It was horrible," neighbor Ioan- the road. With little visibility because open the way for them, allowing an Public Order Minister Byron Poly- forced. groves and farm animals." nis Tzevelekou, 15, said of the situa- of the smoke, the remainder of the accident to cause the tragic losses we doras said the Secret Service and an- Haralambidis also warned that tion. "The fire came over like a huge convoy then seems to have barreled saw. I believe these deaths were due ti-terrorism squad had joined police erosion in burned areas could lead to tide." into the wreckage. Those who sur- to criminal errors and ignorance of in investigating the blazes, which he A senior prosecutor extensive landslides. She decided to gather her three vived the pileup, including the danger and the circumstances of said appeared to be the work of ar- ordered an investiga- From the northern border with Al- daughters, aged 15, 12 and 10, and Paraskevopoulou and her children, the blaze," said Nikos Bokaris, head sonists. bania to the southern island of Crete, her 5-year-old son and go to the vil- fled on foot. of the Pan-Hellenic Union of Forestry "We have indications (that arson- tion to determine if the fires ravaged forests and farmland. lage square just outside the town of Firefighters later found their Experts. ists were involved), witness testi- fires could be termed Residents used garden hoses, buck- Zaharo in the western Peloponnese. charred remains huddled on a hill- The decision faced by monies and finds which require in- acts of terrorism or ets, tin cans and branches in desper- Her husband was elsewhere, and as side near the accident, Paraskevopoulou, to stay or go, was vestigation," he said. ate attempts to save their homes and the fire approached, she bundled her Paraskevopolou's arms wrapped similar to those made by thousands A senior prosecutor ordered an in- organized crime livelihoods. children into a car. tightly around her children. Nine of people trapped unaided in often vestigation to examine whether the "We have been destroyed. We If she had stayed at home, neigh- people died on that road, and they isolated mountain villages. Although fires could be termed acts of terror- "The problem is not so much the have nothing left," cried Katerina An- bors say the family would have sur- were among 23 victims from the re- Greece has the largest fleet of fire- ism or organized crime – allowing law as its enforcement," she said. donopoulou, a 76-year-old woman vived. Her single-story house was vir- gion around the village, the largest fighting planes in Europe, its forces authorities broader powers of investi- "The lack of zoning and forest maps trudging from the edge of Ancient tually unscathed by the fires. single group of dead in the 63 people were stretched to the breaking point gation and arrest. provides a motive to break the law on Olympia to her destroyed house in "Nothing would have happened claimed so far by the worst fires in on August 24, the day Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis forests and build illegal buildings." the nearby village of Platano, laden to them. The few that stayed didn't living Greek memory. Paraskevopoulou died, as 124 fires – who has called early elections for The head of the association of with a massive bundle of grass for the get injured," said Vassiliki Tzevelek- Another couple, Panagiotis Lam- raged around the country – many of September 16 – has indicated that Athens real estate agents agreed: "It five surviving goats from her flock of ou, another neighbor. "The house has bropoulos, 70, and his wife, was them near Artemida. many fires were intentionally set, is rather late now, but the govern- 20. "Who will help us now?" not suffered any damage, but it's bet- and residents in afflicted areas ment should designate these areas to Karolos Papoulias, President of ter for the house to have been burned agreed. be immediately reforested, map the Hellenic Republic, described the than people." "These fires were set deliberately, them and complete the forest registry fires ravaging his Greece’s forests as a The schoolteacher from Athens it happens all the time," said Adrian- without further delay," Yiannis national catastrophe, as thousands of was enjoying the end of the summer na Katsikis, 45, from the fire-dam- Revythis said. "If an area is officially firefighters – hundreds of them holiday season in the wooded moun- aged village of Varvassaina, in a part designated as forest land, who will brought in from other countries – tain village near the sea when fires of the western Peloponnese which burn it? It will still count as forest fought to control blazes which started breaking out in the region – suffered 42 deaths. land afterwards." burned nearly 200,000 hectares fires which were later to engulf most But opinions on arsonists' motives Nantsou said the forestry depart- (500,000 acres). of Greece and scorch world heritage vary. Last Sunday, August 26, Polydo- ment has to prove in court that an il- "This is a national catastrophe," sites such as Ancient Olympia, the ras implied a deliberate plan was in legally-developed plot was really a Papoulias said. In an indirect barb at birthplace of the Olympic Games. motion. "We can say that this truly forest to start with, as there are no Greece's political parties, which have But the approaching fire had constitutes an asymmetric threat," he registers or official maps to settle the been exchanging insults and blame struck fear among the 100 or so resi- said, without elaborating. matter. But developers can win the over the handling of the firefighting dents of the village, nestled amid the 11 DETAINED case if two witnesses back their effort ahead of the early elections, Pa- olive groves which were its main Authorities have arrested 11 peo- claims. poulias called on Greeks to show source of income. ple on suspicion of starting fires since "Anyone can build and then bribe "maturity." "Everyone was in a panic. Within last Friday, August 24. These includ- forestry or town planning officials, or Ecumenical Patriarch Bartho- ten minutes, the fire swept in from ed an elderly man charged with de- get a public notary who will cook up lomew of Constantinople sent a letter the east and was all around us, both liberately setting a fire which caused the matter legally," she said, adding to Karamanlis, stressing that the Ecu- above and below the village," one of six deaths; a grandmother accused of that demolition orders are rarely en- menical Patriarchate is watching, her friends, 37-year-old Lambrini starting a vast blaze while cooking in forced. with "unspeakable grief," the un- Tzevelekou and the mother of Ioan- her yard; and a man who was al- Developers "know that, even if a precedented national tragedy unfold. nis, said. "They gathered everyone legedly careless with a lit cigarette. court rules the building illegal, it will "We are experiencing moments of together in the square, Athanasia The Government is offering an not be demolished, and after six or indescribable horror," the Patriarch and her four children, along with award of up to 1 million euros ($1.36 seven years, someone will legalize it," said, noting that the Church "is stand- two young foreign kids, two grand- million) to anyone providing infor- Nantsou said. "This usually happens ing by your side, and by the side of all mothers and four other children, all mation leading to the arrest "of mem- before elections." the suffering Greek people." left together packed in a car." AP/PETROS GIANNAKOURIS bers of a criminal organization that is Forestry expert Nikos Bokaris said The convoy sped out of the vil- A burned sheep lies by the roadside, as one of the seven children of seeking to carry out arson in forests, land development was an unlikely AP Writers Elena Becatoros and lage, and when the vehicles reached the Skoutsouris family which lost their home and all their possessions or of deliberate arsonists." motive for arson in the Peloponnese. Patrick Quinn contributed to this a fork in the road, a decision was walks past it in the small village of Livadaki about 350 kilometers The Greek branch of the World "The afflicted areas are not prime story. made to go down toward Zaharo – 6 southwest of Athens this past Monday. THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 CRISIS IN GREECE 9 USAID Still “Assessing” Greece’s Needs after Fires Greek Foundations Donate Millions in Aid for Victims By Mark Frangos healthcare centers for municipalities and commu- “The Greek shipping community has always By Dimitri Soultogiannis to the families and friends who have Special to the National Herald nities which were destroyed; and a large contri- participated in times of national emergency, and I Special to the National Herald lost loved ones during this horrific bution for the rehabilitation of the areas sur- would think we will be doing something collec- tragedy. I commend and recognize NEW YORK – The outpouring of support for the rounding the archaeological site of Ancient tively again,” said Hellenic Chamber of Com- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis victims of the fires has been overwhelming and Olympia. merce President George Gratsos, citing funds that States Agency for International De- and the Greek Government in their many of the Hellenic world’s wealthiest people “Our country is confronted with extreme cir- the industry collected in response to past earth- velopment has provided an initial efforts to get these fires under con- and foundations have also joined to help rebuild cumstances never experienced before,” said Mar- quakes. “Many people might also do something contribution of $100,000 to the Hel- trol. The unity and solidarity of the what was lost in last week’s catastrophic infernos. ianna Latsis. “We monitor – in shock – the magni- privately.” lenic Red Cross (Greek media reports brave people of Greece, which was The John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, tude of this national tragedy that is unfolding this The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foun- are stating $200,000) in response to amply demonstrated – arisen from the Latsis Group and Eurobank EFG will under- summer, trying to conceive the devastating effect dation announced last Saturday, August 25, that the Greek Government’s request for the ashes – is symbolic of the Greek take the design and implementation, in coopera- that will inevitably accompany the next genera- is donating 5 million euros ($6.83 million) to- international assistance, according to spirit and pride that so clearly defines tion with the Greek State, of a program for the re- tions. Facing this havoc, it is the duty of us all to wards the purchasing of equipment. The Onassis State Department Deputy this nation.” construction of the regions and to support people contribute in a substantial manner, and whole- Foundation also canceled two events as an act of Spokesman Tom Casey. Congressman John Sarbanes (D- who lost their homes and properties to the fires. heartedly. I am certain that our father, John Lat- respect toward all those contributing to firefight- This initial amount is expected to Maryland) said, “I am working with To begin this program, each of the above organi- sis, would have reacted the same way as we do to- ing efforts, and in memory of those who so tragi- provide for purchasing emergency my colleagues in the Congress to en- zations donated 20 million euros for a total sum day and as he had done in many instances, cally lost their lives, the Delios Apollon cultural firefighting equipment, as well as courage the United States Govern- of 60 million euros ($82 million). throughout his life, in favor of our country. In this events on the island of Delos (September 1st) and meeting some of the humanitarian ment to assist where needed, our The program will focus on three sets of initia- context, the program of actions announced by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (September 3rd). needs of the people who have been close ally, which has stood by us time tives: aiding fire victims, including families who Latsis Foundation, the Latsis Group and Eu- “It is unquestionable that these are difficult displaced by the fires, Mr. Casey said. and time again. My heart goes out to have lost relatives, victims who lost their main robank EFG constitutes a true act of solidarity and times,” said a statement released by the Onassis Undersecretary of State for Finan- the families who have incurred enor- residence and a write-off of debts arising from social contribution.” Foundation. cial Affairs Henrietta Fore, who was mous loss as a result of these terrible housing, consumer and agricultural loans grant- Greek shipping leaders also vowed to help in “The loss of human life, the destruction of our also former Acting USAID Adminis- fires. I have no doubt that the people ed by Eurobank; setting initiatives for encounter- the relief effort. “It is a national disaster,” said natural environment and of property, as well as trator, was in Athens this past of Greece will prevail in the face of ing and preventing fire, including donating Greek Shipowners Union President Nicos the threat to our country’s history can only result Wednesday, August 29, meeting with this tragedy, and that they will suc- equipment to firefighters and donations to orga- Efthymiou. “Something will definitely be done. I in feelings of deep sorrow and anger. There is one Greek officials in an effort to evaluate ceed in the recovery effort,” he nizations engaging in forest protection; and reha- hope we will find a way to handle this with the se- thing, however, that we can not do: We can not the type of assistance Greece will added. bilitating forestland, including financial support riousness it deserves, as we have done on previ- give in, and we can not resign ourselves to the need. The meeting was described as Congressman Zack Space (D- for governmental reforestation programs and ous occasions.” tragic series of events. Our reaction must be the “rapidly held behind closed doors,” Ohio) said, “The tragedy unfolding in special care for the prefecture of Ileia. Mr. Efthymiou was hoping to organize a meet- immediate mobilization of the entire country. Be- and insiders told the Herald Ms. Fore Greece touches all of us on both a hu- Specifically for Ileia, the Latsis Foundation an- ing of shipowners, despite the fact that many peo- yond our feelings of anger and deep sorrow, pri- “rushed in and bolted out.” manitarian and a historical level. My nounced that this special care is dictated not only ple are holidaying outside Athens. ority should be given to our actions. Both the Gov- Mr. Casey also expressed the U.S. heart goes out to those families who by the fact that the prefecture in question was af- ANGELOPOULOS AND ernment and the citizens of Greece have a respon- Government’s sympathies for the have been impacted, in one way or fected more than any other region, but also be- ONASSIS FOUNDATION sibility to support, in all ways possible, the efforts Greek people, and said USAID and another, with these fires. I am also cause the late Mr. Latsis descended from the re- But reports suggest that one of the biggest aiming at reconstruction and prevention of fur- the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is greatly concerned about the archeo- gion. shipowners has already decided to act on their ther destruction.” laying out a plan to help Greece re- logical sites that are in danger of be- Initiatives for Ileia include immediate relief for own. Theodore Angelopoulos and his wife Gian- Ferry company ANEK supplied 20 tons of bot- cover from the devastating wild fires ing destroyed. All of us are praying the homeless; provision of an educational al- na, chief organizer of the 2004 Olympic Games in tled water, which was carried by C130 transport which ravaged Evia and the Pelopon- for a swift conclusion to this sad lowance for all students who lost a parent; infra- Athens, donated 10 million euros ($13.65 mil- to the scourged Ileia prefecture on Monday, Au- nese this past week. episode in Greece’s history.” structure projects such as schools buildings and lion) for disaster relief. gust 27. The State Department is in coop- Senate Majority Leader Harry eration with the Greek forest service Reid (D-Nevada) said, “We stand and Ministry of Agriculture to see with the people of Greece during this what other kinds of technical exper- difficult time. Our longtime friend tise and equipment they might be and ally will need our support now, able to provide, including things like and well into the future, as it recovers Flames of Epic Destruction Wreak Havoc All Over Greece clothing for firefighters and some from these tragic fires,” while Sena- technical expertise in fire manage- tor Edward “Ted” Kennedy (D-Mass- Continued from page 1 ment and burn-area rehabilitation, achusetts) said, “The American peo- he said. ple are watching with deep concern Outside the forests, in low-lying “The Greek Government has ex- the fires that are causing so much land and plateaus, entire ecosystems pressed to us a concern not only for harm and devastation in Greece. Our – birds, reptiles and small mammals – the management of the fires right prayers are with the families who in charred fields and olive groves now, but would also like to see us and have lost loved ones and so many have vanished altogether. others help them in terms of the re- others who are without their homes. "Those that could escape else- covery from this which, of course, Our government should be prepared where may have managed to do so, will be an important part of the over- to provide appropriate assistance to but very many didn't," Haralambidis all operation as well,” he said. help the government and people re- said. “U.S. AID’s office of Public-Private cover from this terrible tragedy.” The six-day catastrophe also Partnerships is also working with the Presidential Candidate Senator caused an "irreparable social and eco- U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Barack Obama (D-Illinois) said, “As nomic catastrophe" in the small, they’re going to co-chair a meeting of wildfires continue to ravage Greece’s farming-dependent villages of the U.S. companies to lay out a plan for pristine countryside, my thoughts Peloponnesian mountains, according helping Greece to recover from this and prayers are with the Greek peo- to forestry expert Nikos Bokaris. disaster. And again, I think the recov- ple. I call on the U.S. Government to "These people lost their farmland, their flocks and, in many cases, their households," he said. Haralambidis warned that moun- tain populations could end up as in- ternally displaced refugees. "There will be several thousand people faced with the choice of stay- ing on burned land or moving to the cities," he said. "And if they are to stay, conditions must be created to ensure them a decent livelihood. Their main source of income was olive oil production, but new olive saplings need at least 15 years before AP/PETROS GIANNAKOURIS they can yield a proper crop." ABOVE: Anastasia Iliopoulou, 81, Some positive news finally arrived a lifelong resident of Artemida this past Wednesday, August 29, as village, about 225 miles south- improved weather conditions helped west of Athens, reacts while ex- thousands of firefighters, including plaining the events which de- hundreds from neighboring coun- stroyed most of her village dur- tries, bring dozens of the massive ing a huge forest fire this past fires under control. Monday, August 27. In the back- Hundreds of people who lost ground is the undamaged house homes, property, farms and livestock where a 37-year-old mother AP/ALEX BRANDON crowded into banks in southern stayed before being forced to flee Presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama of Illinois speaks during Greece to receive up to 13,000 euros the fire and who was burned a campaign stop in the Gentilly Woods area of New Orleans last Sun- ($17,732) in aid promised immedi- alive on the hillside, huddled to- day, August 26. Obama has also forcefully called on the U.S. Govern- ately by the conservative govern- gether with four children. ment to step up its efforts to help Greece. ment, which had been buffeted by al- LEFT: Fire burns trees behind a legations it mishandled the fires. column in Ancient Olympia, ery phase of this is going to be equal- provide whatever assistance is neces- Some polls indicated growing anger birthplace of the Olympic Games, ly important in terms of ensuring that sary to put out these fires.” with the conservative government last Sunday, August 26. A mas- people are able to return to the kind Presidential Candidate Senator ahead of early elections, announced sive effort by firefighters, assist- of lives they had before these fires Hillary Clinton (D-New York) also ex- by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis ed by water-dropping aircraft took place,” he added. pressed her support. “We stand with for September 16. and fire trucks, succeeded in Mr. Casey also confirmed that US- the people of Greece through this The Hellenic Fire Department keeping a raging blaze away AID is working with members of the tragedy. The thousands of homeless, said at least two fires were burning from the 2,800-year-old site, the Greek American community as well, hundreds of injured and the many out of control near the northern bor- holiest sanctuary in ancient “just as we have with other commu- family and friends of the over 60 der with Albania, while on the hard- Greece. The museum was un- nities in the United States to be able killed are in our thoughts and struck island of Evia, north of Athens, harmed. to get civic organizations and faith- prayers,” she said. all fires were under control. based groups and others involved in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D- "The work of extinguishing the tion of the environment will be enor- helping us to provide assistance to California) said, “My prayers and fires continues inside the contain- mous," said in a radio inter- Greece as this recovery process deepest condolences go out to the ment perimeter," firefighting officials view. "As regards to these first relief moves forward.” victims of the tragic forest fires that said. measures, it will be significantly When asked who was in charge of have swept through Greece in recent In the southern Peloponnese, above 200-300 million euros ($274- coordinating these efforts at the State days. The stories of courage and where 57 of the deaths were record- 410 million)." Department, he said, “This is largely bravery provide inspiration as the ed, all the fronts were contained and The fires are now dominating po- being handled or chaired through the people of Greece fight back against firefighters, backed by more than 20 litical debate before the elections. U.S. Agency for International Devel- the devastation. Their spirit and de- water-dropping aircraft, were mov- Perceptions that the Government opment… as will Jim Kunder, who is termination will be evident in the ing to extinguish lingering blazes. failed to respond quickly enough – the acting administrator, and of days to come, as they join together to "The fires are no longer spread- and its suggestions that the fires re- course, Dan Fried, Matt Bryza and rebuild their homes and lives.” ing," Fire Department Spokesman fires took hold of the country, we had Greek Government. sulted from an organized attack – our friends in the Bureau of Euro- Congresswoman Carolyn Mal- Nikos Diamandis said. "We had a emphasized the need for the weather In nearby Ancient Olympia, 34- could hurt Karamanlis, critics say. pean Affairs will certainly be con- oney of New York, Democratic Co- drop in the wind, which we exploit- conditions to become our ally, even if year-old George Bouzas, who owns a The devastation infuriated tributing their part in terms of the po- Chair of the House Hellenic Caucus, ed." only for 24 hours. This alliance took paper business, submitted his vouch- Greeks, who had already been litical coordination with the Greek said she will fight to get Greece the Temperatures also dropped to place yesterday," Diamandis said. er at a bank and was waiting for his stunned by deadly forest fires in oth- Government.” support it needs. about 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 A succession of heatwaves since funds. er parts of Greece this past June and Meanwhile, members from both “I will be doing all that I can to en- Fahrenheit) in the region, compared early summer and gale force winds "Everything is closed now, the ho- July, and are complaining of an inad- Houses of Congress are calling on the sure that the people of Greece get the with 41 C (105.8 F) last Friday, Au- turned much of Greece into a tinder- tels and restaurants, while before, equate effort by the conservative gov- U.S. Government to step up and help assistance they need to fight these gust 24, the day after the fires began box and severely hampered efforts to everyday they were full. Now we are ernment to confront the latest disas- Greece get back on its feet – presiden- devastating fires and rebuild their and raged unchecked. extinguish fires, which often erupted alone, and we need ten years at least ter. tial candidates, the senate majority lives. My deepest sympathies go out But late this past Wednesday, Hel- as fast as they were put out. to get back to where we were," A nationwide opinion poll con- leader, the house speaker and the to the Greek people, who are battling lenic authorities evacuated five vil- Although there have been no cost Bouzas said. ducted on August 26-27 indicated four Greek American members, the worst fires their country has seen lages near the mountain village of estimates so far, production from the Greece has budgeted more than support for the conservatives had among them. in 150 years. My thoughts and Karytaina in the central Peloponnese, destroyed areas makes up only about 200 million euros ($274 million) for slipped by 1.6 points in the last week, U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe prayers are with them during this dif- after winds rekindled a blaze. The 4.5 percent of Greece's gross domes- immediate aid to families, businesses to 35.2 percent – but still 2 points (R-Maine) said, “My heartfelt ficult time, and with all of the brave Fire Department reported that Kary- tic product – placing them among the and communities ravaged by fires. ahead of main opposition socialist thoughts are with the wonderful peo- men and women who have devoted taina, which is crowned with a me- poorest in per capita production. The The Finance Ministry also said it party. ple of Greece as they continue to bat- themselves to the firefighting effort,” dieval castle, was not in immediate areas are mostly agricultural, but also was suspending value-added tax pay- The is consider- tle these deadly and destructive wild- she said. danger. have significant service industries – ments for people and companies, as ing the formation of permanent reac- fires. The brave men and women on House International Relations In the tiny village of Kato Kotyli, mostly tourism – followed by some well as outstanding taxes in afflicted tion teams to respond to natural dis- front lines not only need our assis- Committee Chairman Tom Lantos three miles east of Karytaina, a hand- industrial manufacturing. areas for six months, and banning asters, E.U. officials said this past tance to assure the situation is re- (D-California) said, “I am deeply sad- ful of residents stayed behind, hosing In the city of Pyrgos, hundreds of property seizures for outstanding Tuesday, August 28. The European solved as quickly as possible, but also dened and concerned by the unfold- down their houses. A fire truck took people crowded into bank branches debts. Commission, the bloc's executive of- our continued support and prayers,” ing tragedy caused by the multiple up position at the entrance to the vil- to take advantage of the Govern- Although the government has al- fice, was studying ways the E.U. Congressman Gus Bilirakis of fires in Greece, and I extend my most lage, while at least four large fire ment's promise to give them aid just ready budgeted about a third of a bil- could better provide rapid aid after Florida, a member of the House In- profound condolences to the families fronts were visible on surrounding by signing a single piece of paper lion euros (around $450 million) for disasters like the forest fires now rag- ternational Relations Committee and of the victims. The U.S. government hillsides. vouching that the fires had damaged such aid, the Finance Ministry has ing in Greece, according to EU the Republican Co-Chair of the should provide Greece with all possi- Cooler temperatures and abating or destroyed their property. said the cost was expected to be Spokeswoman Barbara Helfferich. House Hellenic Caucus, told the Na- ble aid to quell the conflagration, and winds allowed firefighters to corral "The prime minister ordered the much higher. tional Herald, “The United States to help in the recovery efforts. As I most fires into smaller more control- abolition of all longstanding bureau- Deputy Finance Minister Petros AP Writers Elena Becatoros, Derek should help Greece through this diffi- have said many times, America’s lable blazes, fire department cratic procedures to receive aid in Doukas said that more money will be Gatopoulos, Patrick Quinn and cult time, especially now. My heart- emotional and political bonds with spokesman Nikos Diamandis said. case of disaster," said Theodore Rous- needed. John F.L. Ross contributed to this felt condolences and prayers go out Greece are unshakable.” "From the first day that these large sopoulos, chief spokesman for the "The losses relating to rehabilita- report. 10 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007

The National Herald LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest Kudos to the National Herald for the service you provide the that is fallible. ple, an Ancient Greek one, and it to the Greek American community of the United States of America. For Keeping All of Us Informed community. Please keep up the In regard to AHEPA, our primary has been proven to work. Thank good work and continue to inform concern is to allow the process of you. Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To the Editor: us of all the issues that really mat- elections to take place in an envi- Basil N. Mossaidis The National Herald continues ter to people of Greek heritage. ronment of fairness and equality, Executive Director, AHEPA Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos to be my main source of news about Thank you. regardless of location. For example, Managing Editor Evan C. Lambrou Greece and Greek Americans. I re- Maria Zaharopoulos our most recent convention in July Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros ally appreciate receiving my copy Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was held in Denver, Colorado. Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias of the paper every week, and then There, the AHEPA chapter numbers TO OUR READERS The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by staying on top of daily news over 300 members. Hence, if it The National Herald welcomes let- The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 through the website, especially One-Man/One-Vote A Fine Idea, were a one-man/one-vote system, ters from its readers intended for during this time of tragedy in the said chapter would dictate the Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, But It Doesn’t Always Work publication. They should include e-mail: [email protected] Greece. outcome of elections. No other news source informs I agree that a process by which the writer’s name, address, and Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece telephone number and be ad- Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] me more about the inner workings To the Editor: we would afford every valid dues- of the Greek Orthodox Church and In your August 18 & 25 editions, paying member the ability and dressed to: The Editor, The Na- Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $59.85, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $19.95, 1 month $9.95 our community. The editorial page members of AHEPA, through letters right to vote should be examined. tional Herald, 37-10 30th Street, Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $80.00, 6 months $43.99, 3 months $29.99, 1 month $12.95 is not only fair and balanced, your to the editor, challenged the Currently, members are elected by Long Island City, NY 11101. Letters Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania & Washington DC: columnists are clearly well educat- process by which our officers are the entire membership to represent 1 year $99.00, 6 months $51.75, 3 months $37.45, 1 month $15.95 can also be faxed to (718) 472- On line subscription: Non subscribers: 1 year $29.95, 1 month $3.95; ed and knowledgeable, and write elected. Although the thought of their chapters at a national conven- 0510 or e-mailed to english.edi- Subscribers: 1 year $19.95, 1 month $1.95 about serious issues. one-man/one-vote is not a new tion, much like delegates of the fed- [email protected]. We The newspaper makes me feel idea for AHEPA, implementing eral electoral system. The United Periodical postage paid at L.I.C. NY and additional mailing offices. like I belong to a larger, interna- such a system is not as easy as it States currently operates under a reserve the right to edit letters for Postmaster send change of address to: tional Hellenic community, and is sounds. The basic argument is that federal republic system which publication and regret that we are THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 moving me to act to help our broth- the right to vote should be extend- elects electors to cast the ballot for unable to acknowledge or return ers and sisters in Greece. ed to all our members. But this the candidate running for office. those left unpublished. You deserve to be commended would ultimately create a process AHEPA runs under the same princi- Charred and scarred PRESS CLIPPINGS Greece was in the news this past week – adding tragically to her long his- tory. Whether you watched television or read a newspaper, it could hardly es- cape your attention that Greece was literally burning. It was the worst fire to strike Greece in more than a century. At press time, 64 people were reported dead, and close to one quarter of Greek Fires: Fighting the Mediterranean Flames the country was charred and scarred by raging fires which spun out of con- trol. The management of fire has decade, however, shows that man- sult that stocks of flammable mate- be hoped that terrible blazes of this The summer of 2007 was very abnormal in terms of weather conditions in been central to human existence in aging fire is becoming more and rial increase, making huge out- kind will stiffen the general resolve Greece. The country experienced three heatwaves with temperatures exceed- the Mediterranean for many cen- more difficult. Intense heat waves breaks like that from which Greece to take measures to limit global ing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a highly unusual phenomenon. The winter was turies. The lands north and south of appear to be occurring more often is now suffering more likely. warming. quite mild and the rainfall below average. The setting, in other words, was the inland sea are, by their nature, at precisely the time when a larger None of this is news to scientists, But, just as with flooding in perfect for wild fires. subject to an endless cycle of fire. and more mobile population in- firemen and planners in the coun- northern countries, the key to cop- During the first two heatwaves, a number of fires were set in the moun- Their trees and plants are condi- creases the risk of fires starting. tries concerned, and it would be ing now is for society as a whole to tains surrounding Athens, burning, among other things, precious greenery tioned to survive it, and modes of The heatwaves prepare the tinder, wrong to say that nothing has been stop acting as if nature can be ig- the city badly needs. The Hellenic Fire Department and other authorities did human settlement were historically and people supply the spark. It done to prevent such big fires, or to nored. In Greece, the obsession not perform as one would have expected. When the third heatwave came, the planned both to use fire, and to does not have to be arsonists who handle them better when they do with the possibility of arson and the fire raging in the Peleponnese, aided by gusting winds, quickly spread, taking protect against it. Men set fires to are the villains of the piece in the occur. Greece is the scene now, for readiness to blame politicians sug- dozens of lives and devastating the livelihood of thousands. clear land or enrich it, and they Greek fires. A piece of broken glass instance, of unprecedented Euro- gests that people are still shying One story in particular brought tears to people’s eyes: Rescue workers dis- made use of land changed by natu- from a discarded bottle can be the pean cooperation against fire. Fire- away from that fact that the way covered the badly burned body of a mother embracing four dead children. rally occurring fires. lens for a blaze engulfing large men from 16 countries, four of they collectively want to live; what Meanwhile, the country is headed toward national elections on Septem- The Mediterranean region, like tracts of land. The other important them contributing planes, are fight- they want to buy; what they want ber 16, which could turn into a referendum on the effectiveness of the Greek similar areas in California, Aus- general cause is that people in ing the Greek blazes. As for arson, to build; and how they treat their civil service and the restructuring of the Government. tralia and South Africa, is not only these areas have come to see fire as the Greek Government has pledged countryside has a great deal to do Greek Americans returning stateside from their vacations in Greece speak fire-prone but also fire-dependent. unnatural. In effect, they want fire to revise the country's laws so that with the problem. of an unprecedented, indelible experience, a deeply agonizing pain and sor- It needs fires for many reasons, in- outlawed, and politicians react ac- fire-damaged forestland can never row for what they saw and felt, watching the roaring flames burn people to cluding the need to prevent worse cordingly. Small fires are sup- be taken for development in the fu- published the death and destroying everything in their path, amounting to billions of dol- ones. The evidence of the last pressed or contained, with the re- ture. More fundamentally, it may above on August 28. lars in damages. It was particularly heartbreaking to see whole villages burned and the faces of pappoudes and yiayiades, marked by rugged mountain living and lifelong toil in the fields and farms, weeping over the immeasurable destruc- tion. In the midst of all this, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis – contrary to Greek Hotels Adopt Family-Friendly Ways what opposition-supporting media are reporting – was fighting nonstop, al- most superhumanly, to take hold of the situation, directing his staff and cabi- Greek hotels are showing their Resort in Halkidiki has been refit- apartments on Crete, Corfu and Za- Forest fires in Kefalonia, Kos and net in order to avoid an even worse situation, while simultaneously providing commitment to the family market ted, providing childcare and enter- kynthos to meet increased demand Skiathos in July were dealt with all possible assistance to people in need. with more children's facilities and tainment for children aged six from families. Similarly, Greece quickly, and didn't result in a drop In time, the impact of this terrible crisis will recede, and the people will go all-inclusive options. months to 14 years. sold out this year for Planet Holi- in bookings for most operators. on with their lives – the human capacity to absorb pain is incredible – rebuild- The five-star Aldemar Knossos New games, books and toys days. Sunvil's der Parthog said, "Brits ing as much as possible. But the psychological wounds will take a long time to Royal Village in Crete introduced have been provided for the refur- Sunvil's Greece program direc- seemed to prefer the risk of forest heal. an all-inclusive product for the first bished center, while the outdoor tor, Dudley der Parthog, found fires to floods." One hopes that this disaster will make all Greeks reassess their relation- time this year, which has proved play area has been extended and most islands and resorts were qui- But Aldemar Hotels managing ship with their environment and the land of their forebears, and that a new popular with the family market. improved. eter than normal this year, but said director Alexandros Angelopoulos Greece will rise like a phoenix from the ashes and be reborn – a Greece which The hotel has family rooms, a chil- TIMELESS APPEAL revenue increased because of high- said some visitors were deterred will reflect even more the values, capability, history and traditions for which dren's menu and babysitting on re- Kosmar Holidays has reported a er selling prices. from traveling to Greece, even if its children throughout the world love her so much. quest. 22 percent increase in family book- "May and June were tough, and they were not visiting the worst-hit The Mark Warner resort in Laki- ings to Greece this year. Managing we were down from last year. But areas. tira on Kos completed a $2 million director Abhi Dighe said, "Greece the terrible weather which forced "Television coverage of the fires refurbishment of 66 of its rooms for has a timeless appeal, and it now many abroad meant July per- was off-putting, as would be ex- Helping those in need summer 2007, turning them into offers resorts to suit all families." formed better than in 2006." pected, but discerning travelers are deluxe accommodation. The re- The operator added more family Agios Gordis in Corfu was the aware that these were happening In difficult times, one knows who his friends are, says a Greek proverb. sorts have won awards for child- rooms to its 2007 product, focusing most popular resort for families in other parts of the world," he And this is a very difficult – indeed tragic – time that Greece is undergoing. It care services and their kids' clubs, on all-inclusive resorts in Corfu, booking through Sunvil because of added. is the worst period in her history since War World II, setting aside the civil war which cater for children from four and Kos, and it is looking to its short flight and transfer time, a which followed it and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. months to 17 years. expand this further for 2008. safe sandy beach and good choice Travel Weekly published the The magnitude of the destruction wreaked by the raging fires is unimagin- The children's club at the Sani Libra also added self-catering of restaurants and cafes. above on August 24. able, creating severe economic hardship for the people and areas involved. It is a financial burden the Greek economy can not bear alone, despite the progress it has made in the past few years. It is therefore during these incredibly trying times that real friends stand out. From the moment the Prime Minister announced last Saturday that a spe- Out of the Ashes: Greece’s Snap Elections cial fund would be opened to help the victims, a tsunami of generosity came forth, ranging from small contributions to very large: The Latsis foundation The Greek prime minister is for a week, while emergency ser- The small, far-right LAOS party bounded, with a record 16.5 mil- contributed a staggering 60 million euros ($81 million); Theodore and Gian- seeking a renewed mandate. vices struggled to coordinate their of George Karatzaferis, a former lion visitors expected this year. The na Angelopoulos gave 10 million euros ($13.65 million); and the Onassis Just as the weather is cooling in efforts and firefighting aircraft ND deputy and energetic member jobless rate, though still high Foundation donated 5 million euros ($6.83 million). Greece, after a record heatwave were grounded because they had of the European Parliament, could among the young, is now around 6 It is almost certain that much more money will come after it was an- that has brought devastating forest not been maintained. pose a bigger threat to New Democ- percent for heads of households. nounced that the esteemed former foreign minister, Petros Molyviatis, will fires, politics has heated up again. But can George Papandreou, racy's chances. LAOS, which is Greece's proportional election head this fund, thus ensuring its transparency, understandably required by Costas Karamanlis, the country's head of the Pan-Hellenic Socialist strongly nationalistic, is likely to system favors the front-running anyone who might consider contributing. conservative premier, has an- Movement (PASOK), exploit his op- appeal to disaffected ND voters, es- party. According to most polls, New Meanwhile, the Greek American community is mobilizing to assist our nounced an election on September ponents' (perceived) weakness? pecially in regions with high unem- Democracy has led PASOK almost brothers and sisters in need. AHEPA is taking a leading role, reaching out to 16th, six months ahead of sched- Infighting is rife under his leader- ployment. throughout its current term. Mr. its members and calling upon them to do the best they can in this dire hour. ule. ship. Mr. Papandreou has given up But Mr. Karamanlis is betting Karamanlis has kept a seven-to-ten- AHEPA will distribute its assistance through the Hellenic Red Cross. Mr. Karamanlis says his New trying to make PASOK more like a that a buoyant economy, growing point lead over Mr. Papandreou as The Archdiocese and Metropolis of Boston are also mobilizing, asking the Democracy party needs a fresh West European social democratic at an annual rate of more than 4 the best choice for prime minister. faithful for contributions, as are SAE, HANC, IOCC and a number of Hellenic mandate to tackle pension reform. party. These days he sounds more percent, will win him another four- Observers agree that Mr. Karaman- federations and societies, particularly those from the Peloponnese and Evia, Greece, which spends more on pen- like his populist father, PASOK year term. The budget is at last un- lis, a shrewd electoral tactician, which were hardest hit. sions than the European Union av- Founder Andreas Papandreou, der control; a new “social cohesion will be hard to beat. In addition, 17 countries rushed to provide assistance to our wounded erage, is under pressure from Brus- whose style may not appeal nowa- fund” is being launched to help motherland. Some were expected to come to the aid of Greece – like Cyprus, sels to overhaul its fragmented, in- days to the centrist swing voters poor families and the elderly; and, The Economist published the for instance. Others, like Turkey, perhaps not, but which nonetheless did (al- efficient system. Workers who re- who decide Greek elections. despite the fires, tourism has re- above on August 25. beit with a modicum of assistance, compared to the generous support Greece ceive generous payouts, such as gave when her neighbor in Asia Minor was hit by a severe earthquake eight bank employees, object to propos- years ago). als for merging pension funds and Surprisingly absent from the list was the United States, the country which raising the retirement age. It has is usually the first in line to respond with humanitarian assistance, and whose been 15 years since the last modest authorities, as of this moment, are still trying to determine the magnitude reform took place. and scope of the assistance needed. 's Credibility on As of now, we are informed that $200,000 have been provided to the Red pensions has been undermined by a Cross, a drop in the pocket coming from a wealthy country the size of Ameri- scandal over purchases of Govern- ca. Meanwhile, a State Department official went to Athens and was briefed ment bonds at inflated prices by on the situation, an unnecessary trip resulting in wasting more precious time. pension-fund managers appointed We have no doubt that, in the end, the U.S. Government will do its share by the social-welfare minister. on a humanitarian level for its longtime ally, as well out of respect for the More than 50 people, mostly offi- Greek American community. cials at state pension funds, banks One is puzzled, however, why America would allow the first critical days and brokerages, may face charges to go by before offering assistance, during the time when aid was most ur- of fraud, money laundering and tax gently needed and would have been more appreciated. evasion. Mr. Karamanlis, who cam- There can be no doubt that those involved with humanitarian aid in our paigned on an anti-sleaze platform government know that and thus, so far, it leaves us feeling perplexed as to in 2003-04, has some explaining to why they are taking so long to do the right thing, and to score more points do. with the Greek people. Modernizing old-fashioned Let’s hope that Assistant Secretary of State John Negroponte, the number- state universities is another priori- two man in the State Department, will knock some sense into the bureaucra- ty. Greece is still short of courses in cy. business, finance and information technology, and Mr. Karamanlis wants to amend the constitution to allow private non-profit universi- New heights of spirtuality ties to be set up. His first attempt collapsed earlier this year after Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens & All Greece has been in Miami since three months of violent student August 18th awaiting a liver transplant, to be performed by prominent Greek protests. But grown-up voters are American physician Andreas Tsakis. keen to end the state’s monopoly Christodoulos spends a lot of his time praying, meditating and reading. He on higher education. is one of the most important clergymen to come along in the last 50 years or But the issue which will cost so, but lately, due to the serious nature of his illness, he has clearly reached New Democracy the most votes, new heights of spirituality, as is attested to in the interview he granted us. analysts say, is the handling of the We feel blessed to have him among us, and wish him a full and speedy re- forest fires. One blaze on Parnitha, covery. a mountain outside Athens, raged THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007 VIEWPOINTS 11 LETTER FROM ATHENS What’s Good for Greece?

Greeks the world over should be Ataturk also real- threat of coup; and ness and secularism,” and the outgo- heartened at the election of Foreign ized that only the Turk- banned him from polit- ing President repeatedly vetoed leg- Lest we forget, Minister Abdullah Gul, a devout ish officer corps shared ical life. islation he deemed a threat to the Muslim with a background in politi- his vision, and institu- An influx of ordi- same values. It should come as no cal Islam, to the Turkish presidency. tionalized the role of nary Turkish citizens surprise, then, that AKP just won a Remember their Names Some (such as FOX News) would the Armed Forces to returning with money huge majority in recent elections have us believe that, because Gul’s preserve his new con- and education from called to challenge the threat of the “Incompetent – devils,” said Karta- wife wears a head scarf, his public cept. His new constitu- working in Europe has military. Outcry – National Paraskevopoulou – re- commitment to uphold Turkey’s sec- tion explicitly empow- changed the political Greece and Cyprus have a vital Tragedy – National member her name – ular constitution can not be trusted. ered the Armed Forces environment, however. interest in AKP’s success. George Pa- Mourning.” laughing like a mother Unfortunately, administration as the “custodians of Minorities realized pandreou wisely shifted Greek poli- Those were the does when seeing her rhetoric which conflates all Muslims Turkishness and secu- that, in Europe, the po- cy from opposition to support of headlines in newspa- joy before her eyes, as a single brand of “Islamo-fascism” larism.” He unwittingly by AMB. PATRICK N. lice did not beat you Turkey’s E.U. application in 1999, as pers across Greece an- teasing them for acting creates an atmosphere which gives left a structure that cre- THEROS bloody for speaking long as Turkey met all the criteria. nouncing the outrage like children will, the this argument credibility. ated a “Kemalist” politi- Kurdish to your mother Today, opposition to Turkey’s appli- of citizens over the love obvious on her Gul’s election is not the first slip cal apparatus which Special to in public. Erbakan’s for- cation comes from a half-dozen Eu- wildfires which swept face. With her husband on a slippery slope leading to has little to do with his The National Herald mer associates, like Ab- ropeans who can no longer shame- most of the Pelopon- in Peristeri, they had a Turkey’s conversion into a new al vision. dullah Gul and Recep lessly hide behind Greek policy. If – nese and other parts of model family. Qaeda stronghold. I met an extremely senior Turkish Tayyip Erdogan, created a new polit- and this is a very big if – Turkey the country, killing at by ANDY Athanasia Karta- For a variety of reasons, Turkey’s Government official recently, who ical movement, the Party of Justice & meets E.U. criteria for entry, several least 64 people; wiping DABILIS Paraskevopoulou – re- version of “Islamist” politics shares spoke with candor of Ataturk’s lega- Development or AKP – the acronym of the most important conflicts be- out economically-pre- member her name – only one characteristic with Islamic cy. This gentleman noted that he was means “white” in Turkish – to capi- tween the two countries go away. cious olive-producing Special to didn’t always have full political parties elsewhere in the an ethnic Turk, an identity he shared talize on the economic plight of Europe requires that disputes in the areas, destroying – for The National Herald teaching hours, and Muslim world: It has taken root pre- with more than 10 percent of the Turkey’s masses. Aegean be settled only through the a generation – popular was to be appointed to cisely because so-called “pro-West- population of modern Turkey. This Erdogan began his political ca- courts, where Greece has an ex- tourist regions; causing the worst a new school this coming week, days ern” regimes have governed in a cor- percentage, he said, has changed lit- reer as mayor of Istanbul, providing tremely well-founded case. Persecu- disasters in Greek history apart from after Angeliki was to start private rupt and oppressive fashion with the tle since 1925. “Power corrupts” was a welcome change from decades of tion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate wars; and most likely bringing down English lessons again, but she com- support of Western countries. These his next comment. In the years fol- corrupt Kemalist political rule. His (as well as that of Muslim religious a prime minister who could now pensated by doing office work at the examples cover the gamut, from the lowing Ataturk’s death, the Turkish clean administration convinced institutions) and discrimination lose an early election he otherwise school, and frequently brought theocratic monarchy in Saudi Arabia military exploited their constitution- many middle-of-the-road voters, es- against the small remnant of the had already won. sweets and ice cream for colleagues to the harsh and bloody secular al power and created the so-called pecially businessmen, that an Islam- Greek community in Turkey runs What they couldn’t really de- she had taken to. “She blended in Ba’athist dictatorship of Saddam “deep state,” which has corrupted ic label does not equate with back- afoul of European Declaration of scribe was the horrific manner in immediately, and was very socia- Hussein’s Iraq, to Mubarak’s regime Turkish life; impoverished its popu- wardness. . Greeks driven from which these people died, and which ble,” said a colleague. After the ini- in Egypt. Because these regimes lation; caused the slaughter of thou- Unfortunately, the combination their homes after 1955 would (tech- few people, apart from their families tial outpouring of tears, her friends have crushed moderate opposition sands of minorities; and created a of clean government and religious nically) have legal recourse for re- and friends and loved ones, cared – were numbed into not being able to parties, only those protected by reli- permanent state of tension between ties proved too much for the Turkish covery. because the talk on television was feel anything. gion survive. Greece and Turkey. generals, who threw Erdogan in jail Even if meeting the criteria takes about lost homes and lost land and So the election campaign will go Turkey is different. The political By the 1950’s, this form of Gov- for comments which implied reli- 25 years, the process itself will bene- mock grief from politicians scram- on, and Prime Minister Costas Kara- system was co-opted and corrupted ernment deepened poverty in giosity. He emerged several months fit Greece. The AKP leadership un- bling to save their political lives, manlis, who sent a spokesman onto by the Armed Forces, rather than Turkey which Turkish leftists tried to later as an immensely popular fig- derstands that a failure to resolve while others lost theirs for real, and television to read his prepared state- crushed, but it has left the Islamists exploit. Prime Minister Adnan ure. The disastrous earthquake of these various issues will sabotage forever. And they didn’t just die, like ment of outrage, will try to explain as the only alternative. A little histo- Menderes organized the anti-Greek 1999, coupled with the heartless Turkey’s application. This is not a people who succumb in their sleep why his government could not im- ry here: In the 1920’s, Mustafa Ke- riots in Constantinople in 1955, pit- and incompetent performance of the guaranteed outcome, however. The or from an illness. They were incin- mediately mobilize Greece’s army to mal Ataturk tried to transplant a ting the poor against the “rich for- Kemalist government and the Army, Army finds the prospect of E.U. ac- erated, the worst kind of death, and help villagers trying to defend their modern European political system in eigners.” But Menderes also made propelled AKP to power by a narrow cession incompatible with its status. as gruesome as it is to hear that, peo- homes with branches and pouring Turkey based on the fascist regimes the mistake of placating the masses majority in 2000. The entire Kemalist structure and ple need to understand what hap- wine on the fires. which were the most successful by allowing greater freedom for Is- Erdogan's success story in putting the political ascendancy it gives the pened to them and never forget. Two days after the fires swept model. Ataturk created a limited lam. The military sentenced him to the Turkish economy on a rapidly Armed Forces will be dismantled. through the Peloponnese, he called democracy within a fascist model, death for this mistake. Until a upward macroeconomic track in- Generals, Admirals and Kemalist for help from the European Union – including state control of industry decade ago, Turkish politics were re- creased his popularity among the politicians will lose their power and For centuries, the world too late to put out the fires, at least and imposing national homogeneity, voltingly familiar. One “pro-West- middle class. The AKP administra- their wealth. Well-connected Turk- has been riveted by some of which could have been pre- which we now label as “Kemalist.” ern” party claiming to be Kemalist tion did well in almost all areas of ish friends, who are not Islamists, vented. The Government wasn’t pre- Contemporary Europe, both democ- followed another. The “Kemalists,” the economy. During Erdogan’s ad- tell me that they fear another coup, Greek tragedies, and is pared for the fires and didn’t know ratic and fascist, rejected any con- while beatifying Ataturk, have be- ministration, the economy’s average but that this time the coup could now mesmerized again how to deal with them when they cept of ethnic or cultural diversity. trayed his principles. Most impor- growth rate was 7.3 percent, and per lead to civil war. Turkey’s people by the real thing, and happened, blaming foreign agents, Kemal decreed all citizens of the tantly for Greece, the Kemalists for- capita annual income almost dou- have seen the “other side,” and may political opponents, arsonists, ter- modern Turkish state to be “Turks,” got Ataturk’s 1930 commitment to bled. More importantly, he has ac- not stand for a reversion to the op- not a stage play rorists and careless elderly people and brutally crushed ethnic rebel- renounce all territorial claims tively pursued European Union pression of old. for starting the fires. lions. against Greece and, in fact, made membership. Contrary to conven- It is apparent the population of They included Athanasia Karta- But since arson, until now, appar- Historians disagree on why Ke- those claims a centerpiece of public tional wisdom, pursuit of member- Greece, though still suspicious, gen- Paraskevopoulou, a 45-year-old ently hasn’t been a crime in Greece – mal also hated Islam. Some write policy. ship in the E.U. appeals to the reli- erally shares this assessment. We teacher at a high school in Peristeri, PASOK never took care of that, ei- that he believed Islam was incom- Enter the “Islamists” under gious and to minorities, as well as Greek Americans, living in the at- Athens’ largest neighborhood, ther – because it rarely results in an patible with his vision of a modern Necmeddin Erbakan, Turkey’s Prime the business class. Turks with experi- mosphere of Muslim-hating generat- whose body was found covering arrest, it’s unlikely the handful of European state. Others argue that Minister between 1996 and 1997. ence in Europe have lived its reli- ed by this Administration and influ- those of her four children, Angeliki, suspects being detained will face se- Ataturk did not turn on the clergy Erbakan’s regime emphasized inter- gious and ethnic tolerance, and con- enced by our parents’ past, seem not 15; Maria, 12; Anastasia, 10, and vere prosecution if convicted, unless until it resisted his “Europeanizing” nal reform, good governance and an trast it with oppression in Turkey. yet prepared to do so. Constantinos, 5, on a slope in the vil- the real outrage of citizens is sus- measures. By decree, Ataturk expanded social welfare system. Fo- The Kemalists responded lage of Artemida where they and 18 tained. Even the Turks and the Nazis changed the alphabet from Arabic to cused on changing Turkey’s internal through the institutions of the State The Hon. Ambassador Theros others tried to flee, but were con- left the forests intact. The only ; banned the prayer call in Ara- power dynamics, Erbakan had little they still control: the Army, the Pres- served in the U.S. Foreign Service sumed in a raging fireball. She had politician making any sense, Com- bic; abolished the veil and interest in distractions with Greece. idency and the courts. The Army for 36 years, mostly in the Middle frantically fled the village where the munist party leader Aleka Papariga, polygamy; and changed the weekly During his tenure, the Greek military reignited the Kurdish rebellion and East, and was American Ambas- family had gone for their annual said since the Government was day of rest from Friday to a more noticed a steep drop in Turkish viola- provokes constant incidents in the sador to Qatar from 1995 to 1998. summer holiday, a vacation she told blaming the fires on an organized “European” Sunday. The clerics re- tions of Greek airspace over the Aegean to raise nationalist fears. He also directed the State Depart- friends she hadn’t really wanted to threat, they should at least have had acted with violence, and Kemal Aegean. Needless to say, Turkey’s Turkish courts continue to arbitrarily ment’s Counter-Terrorism Office, take this year. an organized response. Ataturk crushed them even more vi- military did not like any aspect of his jail intellectuals, journalists and or- and holds numerous U.S. Govern- She had piled the children into a For centuries, the world has been olently. leadership; forced him to resign by dinary citizens who violate “Turkish- ment decorations. car, only to run into a smashed-up riveted by Greek tragedies, the convoy of cars that careened into a works of Euripides and Aeschylus, fire brigade truck on a blind curve and now has been mesmerized racing to help, one of the few in- again by the real thing and not a stances in which firefighters were stage play. Even Aristophanes, with apparently going toward any of the his biting satire which blistered Kissinger’s Complicity in Turkey’s Aggression against Cyprus more than 200 fires which hit the politicians, couldn’t capture the ab- country nearly simultaneously. They surdity of what has happened. And, The evidence is mounting as to comes. The Greeks are 1974 coup. today, we will suspend any further ran from their cars and tried to es- in the irony of a real Greek tragedy, former Secretary of State Henry probably too sore at On August 8, 1974 deliveries of U.S. military equip- cape, more victims of the Govern- the village home of the Karta- Kissinger’s involvement in, and NATO, and the vehicle the guarantor powers ment to Turkey.’ Well, he exploded.” ment’s inability to cope with a dan- Paraskevopoulou family did not complicity with, Turkey’s invasion of of a ministerial meeting began a second round The Sonnenfeldt memorandum ger so overtly obvious because there burn. Cyprus and the resultant war crimes is awkward. Anyway, of talks in Geneva. On is an indictment of Kissinger as an already been 3,000 fires this year, Hundreds of other homes are against the 80-percent Greek Cypri- you need Ecevit and August 13, 1974 accomplice to Turkey’s aggression, many – like these – suspected arson- gone, along with livestock and the ot majority. Karamanlis. Turkey issued a 36- ethnic cleansing and war crimes ist land grabs. livelihoods of families in regions A shocking “secret/eyes only” “London may be un- hour ultimatum to against the Greek Cypriots, and ex- So while all the hand-wringing from Evia to the Peloponnese, where memorandum dated August 14, acceptable to the Turks Greece and Britain to poses his incompetence. was about how ancient Olympia al- the once-beautiful coastal forest 1974 from Helmut Sonnenfeldt, because of Callaghan’s accept Turkey’s propos- What did Kissinger do when most burned – buildings and land near Zaharo is now petrified white Counselor of the U.S. State Depart- blast at them. al, which was tanta- Turkey issued its 36-hour ultimatum deemed sacred but not worth a sin- cinder, and where the ashes of the ment, to then Secretary of State “You should not mount to partition, for on August 13, 1974, three weeks af- gle human life – little of the news dead floated away and fell on Kissinger concerning “Cyprus Ac- shuttle.” by EUGENE T. six separate Turkish ter the legitimate government of was devoted to the dead. Athens, perhaps even on the Prime tions” became public a few weeks The Sonnenfeldt ROSSIDES Cypriot “cantons” con- Cyprus had been restored? He gave You likely won’t hear that Minister’s home or the Parliament, ago. It actually says advises memorandum must be sisting of 34 percent of full support to Turkey’s renewed ag- Athanasia Karta-Paraskevopoulou – raining shame on people who let Kissinger to “privately assure the read in the context of Special to the island nation for gression with the official State De- remember her name because it will this happen by condoning the arson Turks we will get them solution in- developments on the is- The National Herald the 18-percent minori- partment statement, “The Turkish soon become old news here with the which this year wiped out much of volving one third of island,” and was land of Cyprus at that ty community. That community on Cyprus requires con- advent of soccer season and forgot- Mount Parnitha and, by their inabil- published in the August 10, 2007 is- time. Turkey invaded Cyprus on July same day, Ambassador Robert An- siderable improvement and protec- ten because of the September 16 ity to catch perpetrators, gave free li- sue of Cyprus Weekly. The text of 20, 1974 with the illegal use of derson, the State Department tion,” which was a false and mis- elections – had her degree in eco- cense to those allowed to do it this important document follows: American-supplied arms and equip- spokesman, issued the following leading statement. nomics and used to work at Eu- again. “You wanted some brief ideas on ment, in violation of U.S. laws, the statement, cleared by Kissinger, say- Kissinger made no public state- robank before becoming a school- Greece also lost an estimated 1.2 what we do next. Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the ing that the Turkish Cypriots needed ments that renewed Turkish aggres- teacher last September, immediate- million square meters of land in “Nothing I can think of will stop Foreign Military Sales Act, and the more security (although there was sion would violate U.S. law; that re- ly winning over her colleagues. “She these newest fires, which continued the Turks now from trying to secure United Nations Charter (Article 2, no evidence of any danger to the newed Turkish aggression would vi- was very enthusiastic about it. She for days until the European Union by force what they demanded in paragraph 4). Turkish Cypriot community): olate the U.N. Charter; that renewed was happy with what she was doing. responded so the world no longer their ultimata. In fact, as has always On the same day, the U.N. Secu- “The United States position is as Turkish aggression would violate She was very careful and very con- had to look at images of people been true, the only conceivable rity Council adopted a resolution, follows: we recognize the position of the NATO treaty; that U.S. military scientious about it,” said a friend armed with branches and wet hand- modus vivendi will have to rest on a S.C. 353, calling upon “all states to the Turkish community on Cyprus aid would be cut off as required by and colleague at the Fifth Lyceum of kerchiefs doing the work of firefight- de facto division of the island, what- respect the sovereignty, indepen- requires considerable improvement U.S. law; or that the U.S. would take Peristeri, who heard the news from ers who, in many cases, were ever the form. dence and territorial integrity of and protection. We have supported the matter to the U.N. Security another friend on the phone and nowhere in sight because there just “If the Turks move fast and can Cyprus.” The resolution called for a a greater degree of autonomy for Council. burst into mournful tears. weren’t enough of them to go then be gotten to stand down, it may ceasefire, and demanded “an im- them. The parties are negotiating on Instead, Kissinger had Sonnen- BALLET SHOES around. pre-empt Greek counteraction, and mediate end to foreign interven- one or more Turkish autonomous feldt send a self-serving and erro- FOR HER GIRLS But it lost a lot more – more than then give us a chance to try for a tion” in Cyprus. areas. The avenues of diplomacy neous memorandum by stating that Karta-Paraskevopoulou – re- 60 people – and the shattered lives deal (it may also save Karamanlis). On July 22, 1974 a ceasefire was have not been exhausted, and there- “the only conceivable modus viven- member her name – recently bought of their surviving friends and rela- “While the Soviets can serve as a declared and subsequently violated fore the United States would consid- di (an arrangement or agreement al- ballet shoes for her girls, who want- tives and loved ones, including bogey, we must keep them at arms by Turkish armed forces. The next er a resort to military action unjusti- lowing conflicting parties to coexist ed to dance and were delighted they Athanasia Karta-Paraskevopoulou length. They can not become the ar- day, both the and the fied. We have made this clear to all peacefully, either indefinitely or un- could. She had brought her son, and her children, Angeliki, Maria, biter between U.S. allies. Their in- Sampson regime fell. Pursuant to parties.” til a final settlement is reached) will hand in hers, to her school near the Anastasia and Constantinos. terests differ drastically from ours: the 1960 constitution, Glafkos But on August 14, 1974 Turkey have to rest on a de facto division of end of the school year. Angeliki was Remember those names. We want a modus vivendi between Clerides, President of the Cyprus unilaterally broke off the negotia- the island.” Then Sonnenfeldt tells a bright student of languages, if de- Greece and Turkey; they want a House of Representatives, was in- tions and violated the ceasefire; Kissinger to “privately assure the manding, and her mother had to Mr. Dabilis was the New England non-aligned Cyprus, preferably with stalled as acting president of Cyprus. launched a second more massive ag- Turks” the U.S. “will get them solu- send away several teachers who editor for United Press Interna- Greece or Turkey, or both, disaffect- Constantinos Karamanlis was called gression without a pretext; occupied tion involving one third of the is- weren’t up to handling her until she tional in Boston, and a staff writer ed from NATO. home from his self-imposed exile in over 37 percent of Cyprus – up from land, within some kind of federal found the right one, who saw the and assistant metropolitan editor “Thus, we should urgently try to Paris and sworn in as prime minister the less than five percent occupied arrangement.” four children sitting together at the at the Boston Globe for 17 years contain Greek reaction, 24 hours at on July 24, 1974 to head a unity as a result of the first attack; and The Sonnenfeldt memorandum dinner table before the family went before relocating to Greece. His a time; bluntly tell the Turks they government. forcibly expelled 180,000 Greek and McCloskey’s oral history should on vacation and remarked on what a column is published weekly in the must stop, today, tomorrow at the Meanwhile, Great Britain, Cypriots from their homes and prop- give the Greek American communi- wonderful family they were, the pic- National Herald. Readers interest- latest; warn the Turks that Greece is Greece and Turkey, the guarantor erties. On that day and ensuing ty renewed determination, in the in- ture of an idyllic life now vanished ed in contacting him can send e- rapidly moving leftward; send a powers under the 1959-60 London- days, the Security Council passed terests of the United States, to re- into the ashes. “They can be little mails to [email protected]. high-level U.S. man to Athens to ex- Zurich agreements, entered into ne- resolutions demanding a ceasefire; double its efforts with our govern- ert continuing direct influence on gotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. recorded its “formal disapproval of ment to remove illegal Turkish Karamanlis; assuming the Turks On July 30, 1974 the three nations the unilateral military actions un- troops and illegal Turkish GUEST EDITORIALS quickly take Famagusta, privately ended the first phase of their talks dertaken” by Turkey against Cyprus; settlers/colonists from Cyprus, and assure Turks we will get them solu- and signed the Declaration of Gene- and urged compliance with its previ- to give full public support for a set- The National Herald welcomes manuscripts representing a variety of views tion involving one third of island, va, which called for a second cease- ous resolutions. tlement based on the policy of for- for publication in its View Points page. They should include the writer’s within some kind of federal arrange- fire and for a halt to the expansion of On August 14, 1974 there was a mer President George H.W. Bush, name, address, and telephone number and be addressed to the View ment; and assure Greeks we will occupied territory. meeting in Kissinger’s office about namely “a constitutional democracy Points Editor, The National Herald, 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY contain Turkish demands, and allow Once again, Turkey’s armed what the State Department was go- based on majority rule; the rule of no additional enclaves, etc. forces violated the ceasefire. At this ing to do. In his oral history on May law; and protection of minority 11101. They can also be faxed to (718) 472-0510 or, preferably, e-mailed “You should not get involved di- point, Turkey held less than five per- 8, 1989 Robert McCloskey, Ambas- rights.” to [email protected]. Due to considerations of space rectly till the fighting stops; then cent of Cyprus, and the legitimate sador at-large and media and policy we enforce a strict 1,400-word upper limit. We reserve the right to edit for you must since there is no alterna- Cypriot Government had been rein- adviser on Kissinger’s immediate Mr. Rossides is President & repetitiveness, diction and syntax. We regret that we are unable to ac- tive and only we have the clout. stated on July 23, 1974 which staff, stated that Kissinger “went Founder of the American Hellenic knowledge or return manuscripts, published or unpublished. “I do not think /NATO is reestablished the constitutional around the room, and I said, ‘I think Institute, and former Assistant the place to use when the time state of affairs prior to the July 15, that we should announce that, from Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007