Today, as they have done since 1949, members of the AHEPA family from throughout the Washington DC metro-area gathered to memorialize those identified as Greek Americans or Greek Orthodox who are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
According to organizers, there are roughly 660 grave sites at which AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope members presented a laurel wreath and paused in remembrance of those who perished for our nation.
This ceremony has been performed annually since 1949.
AHEPA Executive Director Basil Mossaidis called the event not only “honor” to remember those who have fallen for our country, but also a valuable history lesson.”
He added in a Facebook post “Proud to once again be able to join the Washington DC area chapters of AHEPA and assist in placing wreaths at over 600 Greek American servicemen and women. We got a special treat also as we saw the burial sites of General Omar Bradley, President William H. Taft in addition to Medal of Honor recipient Greek American George Dilboy.”
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Our father, Captain Aris Carpousis, MD, is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Daddy was born in Samos, Greece and immigrated w/his family when he was 9 years old. Like most Greek immigrants, they were poor. And, like most Greek Americans, their commitment to education, family and hard work pulled them through. While in medical school, he worked several jobs to support his parents, sister and brother. Throughout his life, our father demonstrated, and instilled in his six children, the best of the classical Greek qualities and values: education, discipline, accomplishment, devotion to family, excellence, heritage, honor, Φιλοτιμο.
This young boy from Samos, grew up to become a physician and serve in four branches of the U.S. military. He died too young – at 49 years old. Captain Aris Carpousis’s six children will always cherish his legacy and the deeply-instilled sense of connection with our patrítha. Born in America. 100% Greek!
Thanks to AHEPA for honoring our Greek-American service men and women.