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Greeks In Pasco Unite For Celebration

Carl Orth/SUNCOAST

A tiny dancer needs help adjusting her cap which kept threatening to blow off in the strong wind before the children performed dances at the March 27 ceremony of Greek independence at West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey.

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: April 1, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Pasco County's large contingent of residents of Greek ancestry gathered for a recent ceremony marking the 188th anniversary of Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Hugh Townsend presided over the observance Friday in front of the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey.

On March 25, 1821, Greece broke free from the Ottoman Empire.

The annual celebration "is joined by freedom loving people throughout the world in recalling the spirit of ancient Greece, whose culture and proud history provided the model upon which American democracy was shaped," according to the proclamation from the Pasco County Commission.

Speakers took turns praising Greek heritage and the community spirit residents show here. The most visible symbol of Greek influence in Pasco is the St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Little Road in New Port Richey.

Speakers included Commissioner Pat Mulieri, Pasco Clerk and Comptroller Paula S. O'Neil and Pasco Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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