Different July 4 due to virus

In line with guidelines limiting large gatherings and encouraging social distancing to counter the spread of Covid-19, the US Embassy in Athens and the Consulate General in Thessaloniki are taking a different approach to Independence Day this year. The US Mission circulated a commemorative Independence Day video in which US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Consul General Greg Pfleger, and US Mission employees highlighted the fundamental values that unite Americans and Greeks. The Mission also redirected funds normally used for receptions to donate meals to Greek NGOs Apostoli (Mission) and Kivotos tou Kosmou (Ark of the World) in Athens, and to Faros tou Kosmou (Lighthouse of the World) and the soup kitchen of the Holy Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Thessaloniki. “I can attest that all of us who serve at the US Mission are grateful for Greece’s response to the pandemic, where everyone united with resilience and compassion in order to save lives,” Pyatt said during a visit to Apostoli on Thursday. In another initiative, the US Embassy Chancery building in Athens has been lit up in the colors of the US flag.