In all the events marking the National Day of Greece, École Socrates-Démosthène was in the forefront: dinners, doxology, wreath laying and parade were enriched by the presence of our parents, teachers, directions, secretaries, and especially students with their contagious enthusiasm.
We thank all participants for giving so much love and time to make these events into unforgettable celebrations.
See you next year!
DINNER CELEBRATION OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE
Under the watchful eye of Grateful Hellas, the superb reproduction we owe to Socrates II students, 380 people gathered to eat and drink to the health of Greece. The children of the Socrates-Démosthène choir have sung marvelously under the supervision of these music enthusiasts that are Maria Diamantis and Dimitri Ilias.
OFFICIAL CEREMONY OF THE LAYING OF THE WREATHS
With seriousness and respect, our students laid wreaths at the cenotaph in the Laval Town Hall , thus honoring all fallen heroes.
DOXOLOGY
The flag bearers, every one A deserving student of the School, were an integral part of the religious ceremony.
THE PARADE
With A bright sunshine and despite the bitter cold, our parade attracted nearly 50,000 spectators this year. The expected and noticed presence of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, had probably something to do with it. Distinguished guests of the Quebec National Assembly also participated in the parade: our Grand Marshal, Guy Ouellette, MNA for Chomedey, Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and Carlos Leitão, Minister of Finance. Finally, our faithful friends were there, of course, Nicolas Sigalas, General Consul of Greece in Montreal, Mary Deros, vice mayor of Montreal and Gerry Sklavounos, MP for Laurier. The President of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, Nicholas Pagonis, welcomed and accompanied all these honoured guests.
Our float was all the rage, of course. Its beauty as well as its message was applauded wildly by a very moved audience.
All the Socrates-Démosthène campuses were represented by proud students wrapped up to bravely face the cold..
Our students were dressed in their uniform or a Greek national costume, nicely adapted to the Quebec climate.
The drums were beaten without fail.
In short, it was a memorable parade through and through.
To read an article about the event in the Journal de Montreal, please follow this link:
http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2016/04/03/des-jeunes-de-montreal-envoient-un-message-despoir-aux-refugies-de-lesbos
To see a video of CBC News, please click here.
See you next year!
