Celebrating Greek Independence Day, Catsimatidis Style

New York, N.Y.   John and Margo Catsimatidis, along with their children, Andrea, and John Jr. are a distinguished Greek family of New York City.

John Catsimatidis speaks on air with Nicole Petallides and Ernie Anastos from Fox News.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

When they invited me to attend the 77th Annual Greek American Day parade on March 29, 2015, I enthusiastically accepted.

John Catsimatidis greets guests.  Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Margo and John Catsimatidis watch the CATS Roundtable Radio Show float and

friends proceed up Fifth Avenue.  Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

John Catsimatidis is the Parade Chairman Emeritus, Owner of Gristede’s Foods, Owner of Hellenic Times Newspaper, Chairman of United Refining Company, and host of The  CATS Roundtable  Radio Show.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbert Collection.

It was a thrill to ride up Fifth Avenue on the Cats Round Table Radio Show's float and experience the pride of what it must feel like to be Greek in NYC on Independence Day.

The CATS Radio Show float included the hosts; John Catsimatidis Jr., Andrea Catsimatidis

and Margo Catsimatidis. Guests:  Frank Dicopoulos, Jimmy Chue, Paul Lountiz,

Sara Herbert-Galloway 'the author',Tomaczek Bednarek, Dick and Donna Soloway,

Shelley Goldberg and others.  Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

A friend and John Catsimatidis, Jr celebrate Greek American Day on the float.

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

Tens of thousands of people lined both sides of Fifth Avenue. Imagine the sight of thousands of people waving blue and white Greek flags, some carrying symbols of the church, many dressed in traditional clothing and carrying signs that read "God Bless Greece" in Greek.

John Catsimatidis was the perfect Greek Day Parade Chairman Emeritus,

greeting all guests young and old. He made everyone feel welcome.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Sara Herbert-Galloway (the author).

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

It was more than a typical parade because of the very strong prevalence of Greek heritage.

The CATSIMATIDIS float going up Fifth Avenue.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Ernie Anastos and Nicole Pertallides stop to wave hello to us as we pass by.

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

Many people traveled from other states to march or just be a part of the festivities. Some exchanged stories about their families, heritage and childhoods.

The CATSIMATIDIS float going up Fifth Avenue.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Margo Catsimatidis, Andrea Catsimatidis, and 'me' Sara Herbert-Galloway

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

This parade commemorated the 194th anniversary of Greece's Independence from Turkish Ottoman rule that lasted for 400 years and ended on March 25, 1821.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Dick and Donna Soloway.  Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

The parade is an annual celebration where Greeks showcase their Hellenic heritage, culture, families and achievements to the world.

John Catsimatidis with Grand Marshalls Mr and Mrs. John P. Calamos.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

The Grand Marshall's were New York's Governor Andrew Mark Cuomo, Mr. and Mrs. John Calamos, and Mr. and Mrs. John Psaras.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Margo Catsimatidis and Frank Dicopoulos.

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

There were marching bands, Greek music and foods. The energy amongst the revelers was apparent.

Governor Andrew Cuomo and dignitaries greet onlookers as they march up Fifth Ave.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

Tomaczek Bednarek keeps everyone happy on the CATS float.

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

I learned a lot about Greek culture and hope to be a part of the festivities again next year.  Like most New Yorker's, I've watched parades from the sidewalk or from the windows of buildings.

Constantine Maroulis.  Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

A group that traveled from Bridgeport, CT to march in the parade.

Photo: Sara Herbert Galloway/Herbertcollection.

It was a thrill to have the opportunity to ride on the Cats Roundtable float and be able to see all of the smiling faces and wave back at the joyous kids and adult onlookers.

Photo: Jillian Nelson/Jillpics.com.

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