Greek Independence Day Parade To Stroll Through Detroit Sunday

DETROIT (WWJ) - The Greek Community of Metro Detroit will celebrate the annual Greek Independence Day on Sunday, March 25, 2012, with a parade in downtown Detroit.

The parade will start at 3 p.m. and will proceed on Monroe Street from Woodward Avenue to the heart of Detroit's Historic Greektown.

Prior to the parade, an Hierarchal Divine Liturgy celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation will take place at 10 a.m. at the Annunciation Cathedral, 707 East Lafayette Blvd. in Greektown.

A highlight of the parade includes performances by the famous dance group Horeftikos Omilos Agiou, from Peloponessus, Greece. There will also be over 40 marching units representing Greek Orthodox churches, cultural organizations, dance groups in colorful ethnic dress and area college student organizations from metropolitan Detroit and nearby communities.

Numerous floats will be included in the parade and historic autos from the Ford Piquette Plant Museum will be provided. The Wayne State University Band and the Harper Woods High School Band will provide authentic marching music.

For the second year in a row, a few vintage Model T's will join the parade procession, courtesy of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum. There will be two Model T cars and one Model T pick-up. Each will be driving a few of this year's parade dignitaries down Monroe Street.

After the parade, a short program will be held near the end of the parade route. Rich Mayk, Detroit's well-known communicator, will officiate as the master of ceremonies at both the dinner event and parade.

The American, Greek and Canadian national anthems will be sung symbolizing the strong unity of the three countries. Metropolitan Nicholas will offer prayers and remarks on Greek Independence Day. State Senator John Papageorge will present a State of Michigan proclamation signed by Governor Rick Snyder and all Greek-American members of the Michigan Legislature honoring Greek Independence Day.

The Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade was revived in 2001, after an absence of over 30 years.

For more information, visit www.Detroit.GreekParades.com.