The great forms of the diaspora act as beacons of Hellenism, imparting a general radiance to the Greek values ​​of diligence, initiative, faith in education. And if in the countries where they succeed, their contribution is generally recognized, then in our own country we often do not know their achievements. This gap is filled by a special award established by “K”, the Delphi Economic Forum and the Greek American Leadership Council, to recognize our compatriots who have achieved great success in the United States. Last Monday, Greek-American businessman and philanthropist of the US Greek community, Angelo Tsakopoulos, was honored with the “Leader” award as part of the Hellas and Diaspora – The Future initiative of the 4th Southeast Europe and Eastern Mediterranean Forum in Washington. . It was a particularly touching ceremony, with prominent figures in politics, diplomacy and business in the US and Greece “in attendance” recognizing the unique contributions of Angelo Tsakopoulos.

The warm words of Nancy Pelosi, who presented the award to the businessman and his wife Sophia, during an official dinner at Georgetown University are characteristic. “He is the embodiment of the American dream, the man who made America “more America,” said the former chairman of the US House of Representatives. “We are all Greeks – a poetic license – but as far as a democratic state is concerned, we are indeed all Greeks,” he stressed.

Bill Clinton sent a video message. The former US president expressed gratitude for his long friendship with Tsakopoulos and for the “wise advice” he gave him during the Imia crisis: “I am grateful for helping to de-escalate the situation, and Angelo’s perspective on the underlying tensions was especially instructive.” . His wife Hillary Clinton, a former secretary of state, added that US-Greece ties are more important than ever because the NATO alliance is going through a period of historic pressure.

Angelo Tsakopoulos and his work were discussed during the evening by Greek Ambassador to the United States Alexandra Papadopoulou and US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis. Eleni Kunalaki, Lieutenant Governor of California, daughter of Angelo Tsakopoulos, delivered a message from US Vice President Kamala Harris. He said, among other things, that he was grateful for his efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between the US and Greece. Congratulatory messages were sent by the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Alexis Tsipras and Antonis Samaras.

However, the culmination of emotions came when the businessman and philanthropist himself took the floor and mentioned his best friend and fellow traveler, who passed away 12 years ago: “We met by chance in Japan, and he became more like a brother than a friend. Friend. Some of you met Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, who did amazing things. He also had a great influence on me. We talked about how we can improve the situation of our countries. His wife sent me, along with his son Achillea, who is here, our photo, and she said: “I just wanted Vasilis to be there with you,” so today I have his photo.

Delphi Economic Forum President Simeon Tsomokos delivered a welcome speech, while K Director Alexis Papachelas stressed that this is “a big new beginning in the relationship of the Greek diaspora in the US with the national center.” , stating that the award was established to bring Greeks abroad closer to their homeland by highlighting people who were true role models in the Greek American community and Angelos Tsakopoulos was the obvious choice. Hellenic American Leadership Council Executive Director Eddie Zemenidis said leadership is not just about taking action, but also about inspiring others like Angelo Tsakopoulos.