by Neil W. McCabe

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced March 14 the city would honor Greek Independence at a City Hall celebration Saturday at noon.

Curtatone said he would unveil a new plaque highlighting George Dilboy’s Congressional Medal of Honor, to be placed at the bust in front of City Hall. Dilboy, who was raised in the city, was killed fighting in the First World War.

Curtatone said the ceremony would commemorate 184th anniversary of the Greek declaration of emancipation from the Ottoman Empire in 1821.

Joining the mayor and other local elected officials at the event will be several members of the Dormition Greek Orthodox Church on 29 Central Street, including the church pastor, The Very Reverend Vasilios Flionis, and Mr. Kostantinos Tomadakis, president of the church’s parish council. Constantine Bikas, the consul general of the Boston Greek consulate will also attend, Curtatone said.

“Greek Independence Day is an important holiday not just for those of Greek decent, but for all of us who cherish the development of modern democracy,” he said. “This Somerville’s way to reflect upon the Greek contribution not only to our community—but to the country, and our nation.”

The celebration will begin with the raising of the American and Greek flags at City Hall Concourse, followed by a memorial service at the bust of George Dilboy.

A revised plaque will be unveiled at the statue, replacing the original which was donated by the Aheppa Society in the 1920s.

The new plaque, paid for by the Greek Mutual Benefit Association Alatsateon, The Pharos of Erythvea, of Somerville, will include Dilboy’s Congressional Medal of Honor and a citation detailing the courageous encounter for which he was honored, neither of which were included in the original plaque, the mayor said.

“George Dilboy was one of two Somerville residents in our history to receive the incredible acknowledgment of the Congressional Medal of Honor,” said Curtatone. “The contribution he made to his country has been marked here at this spot for nearly a century by this statue, but it has been incomplete. We are pleased to give this important city landmark—and this local hero—the full acknowledgment that is deserved.”

The celebration will continue inside City Hall in the Aldermanic Chambers, where an opening prayer will be given by The Very Reverend Vasilios Flionis, and welcoming remarks will be offered by Mayor Curtatone.

A dance performance will follow by children from the Church’s Greek School, under the direction of Mrs. Irene Splagounias, Principal at the Greek School. Traditional Greek food will be served at the celebration.