Greeks March Up Fifth Ave This Sunday
by Harry Stathos - NY Daily News
Friday, May 13, 1977

Workmen put the finishing touches yesterday on the floats for Sunday's annual Fifth Ave. parade commemorating the 156th anniversary of Greek independence.

More than 50,000 persons including Mayor Beame, are expected to march up the avenue from 59th to 79th St. with 35 bands and 25 colorful floats designed by international artist Menelaos Katafigiotis.

Palace Guard on March
A platoon of Evzones - the ellite Greek palace guards who where white pleated skirts, brocaded jackets and red hats - will arrive from Athens tomorrow to take part in the parade which begins at 1 p.m.

Archbishop Iakovos Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America, the honorary general chairman of the event, will lead the marches. Dr. Michael Sideris, president of the Federation of American Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, is general chairman.

Serving as grand marshal of the parade will be the 21 area congressmen who have been voting consistently on Greece and Cyprus on the issue of U.S. arms aid to Turkey, which was cut off after Turkey invaded Cyprus in July 1974.

Elizabeth Diaconis of Oceanside, who recently won the Miss Greek America 1977 beauty pageant, will ride on one of the floats. Also riding in another float will be Andrea Malas, Miss Greek Independence 1977.

Human Rights and Law
The theme of the parade, which is sponsored by the Federation of American Hellenic Societies of Greater New York and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, is the Greeks' concern with human rights, and upholding the law of this nation.

All Greek communities in the metropolitan area are participating in the parade with individual contingents.

A reception for the dignitaries wi11 be held at the Plaza Hotel from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.