Thessaloniki Memorial Day Commemoration
Hosted by the Joint United States Organizations in Greece (JUSORG)
by Linda Manney
On May 26, 2026, the 7th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony was held in Evangelistria Cemetery, Central Thessaloniki, to remember and honor the 191 known fallen Greek American soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Evangelistria Cemetery of Thessaloniki, established in the 19th century, was used as a Christian burial grounds from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The luxuriant green environment of the cemetery and the historical monuments it houses inspire all who enter its grounds.
Military and diplomatic personnel, religious leaders, and civilians from the community came together in central Thessaloniki for a Memorial Day commemoration. Participants and attendees of the ceremony gathered in front of the cenotaph.
The Wreath Laying Ceremony, quiet, dignified and deeply meaningful, was hosted by the Joint United States Organizations in Greece (JUSORG), which includes the American Legion Post GC01, Athens; the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association Chapter HJ41, Konstantinos Paliologos, Kalamaria; and the Hellenic Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).
In addition to Mr. Brett Dvorak, of the US Consulate in Thessaloniki, a number of military personnel from Greece and the USA were present at the ceremony. Those in attendance were Major General Emmanuel Tsakanias, Commandant, Hellenic Supreme Joint War College; Brigadier General Dimitrios Xogiannis, Commandant, Hellenic Army War College; Captain Alfonso Rivera, US Army, NATO Rapid Deployment Corps-Greece; and Captain Adrian White, US Army, Admin SPT GRP, Thessaloniki.
In the first part of the ceremony, representatives of JUSORG offered their perspectives on the Memorial Day tradition. In his opening speech, Major Thomas Maguire, President of the Hellenic Chapter, AUSA, provided a historical perspective: he noted that the tradition of gathering formally to honor the dead was initiated in Ancient Greece, 431 B.C., when Pericles delivered a eulogy to honor the soldiers who died during the Peloponnesian Wars.
Major Thomas Maguire, President of the Hellenic Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, served as the Master of Ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the American Legion Post GC 01 Athens, Adjutant Vasileios Balis reminded us that “freedom is never free; it is preserved through duty, unity and remembrance.” Shifting the focus to the present and future, Adjutant Balis clarified the role of the American Legion: “Our mission is not only to remember the fallen, but also to continue serving our communities, supporting veterans and their families, and passing the values of honor, patriotism and service to future generations.”
In his Memorial Day speech, Mr. Dvorak, representing the US Consulate in Thessaloniki, emphasized that the sacrifices of our service women and men must continue to be remembered. Thus, he highlighted the strong relations between the Consulate and the US volunteer organizations in Greece that forever remind us of the debt we owe to our service personnel.
xxx
When the introductory speeches were finished, representatives of the US Consulate General, the American Legion and AHEPA came forward to place wreaths on the cenotaph of the fallen soldiers. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, followed by the playing of Taps.
Evangelistria Cemetery is a quiet oasis within a busy urban area of Thessaloniki.
###
With appreciation to Nancy Maguire and Tommy Maguire who provided photographs for the article.
Linda Manney is the Thessaloniki Chapter Representative of Democrats Abroad Greece.