Memorial service honoring George Dilboy. – Photos by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

Mayor Joseph Curtatone, city officials, about 100 Greek residents and members of the community joined together Saturday to celebrate Greek Independence Day, March 24, 1821. The ceremony took place outside City Hall at the memorial of Somerville’s hero George Dilboy, the first American Greek to receive the Medal of Honor during World War I. Mayor Curtatone and Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston welcomed everyone.  At the ceremony, The George Dilboy Humanitarian Award was presented by Somerville Fire Fighter Michael Marino to Somerville Police Officer, Mario Oliviera. The Lifetime Achievement  Award was presented by Theodore Menounos to Frank Senesi, who recently retired as City of Somerville’s Veterans Services Director.

Members  of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church here in Somerville were present with guest speaker Seminarian Stanatis Sfikas.  Fr. Konstantinos Manetas, pastor of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, conducted the memorial service at the George Dilboy Statute and a dance program was  performed by the Children of the Greek School Program Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. After the ceremony everyone was invited into the Alderman Chambers of City Hall for a reception.

(L to R) Somerville's Deputy Chief of Police Michael Cabral, Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello, Police Officer Mario Oliviera and Deputy Chief Paul Upton

Mayor Joseph Curtatone delivers the welcome address.