Congressman Pappas Leads Resolution to Honor Oxi Day

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, introduced a resolution to designate October 28th as Oxi Day.

This day marks a significant historical event; on October 28, 1940, Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas emphatically refused to surrender to Axis forces, replying with “Oxi!” or “No!” to a 3 A.M. ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. This refusal ignited a national resistance movement, making Greece the first nation to push back against the Axis invasion.

Greece’s defiance forced Nazi troops to delay their invasion of Russia, significantly impacting the progression of World War II. “Eighty-five years ago, the Greek people demonstrated unprecedented bravery and determination. Their refusal to bow to the Axis Powers shaped history,” Congressman Pappas stated.

Pappas, a proud Greek-American, expressed his honor in leading this resolution to acknowledge Greece’s role in defending democracy during World War II. He emphasized the importance of this legacy in standing against aggressions towards sovereignty.

Andy Manatos, President and Founder of the Washington Oxi Day Foundation, praised the resolution. “Congressman Pappas, thank you for highlighting Greece’s historic stand against Hitler’s Axis Forces. Hitler himself acknowledged that had the Italian attack on Greece not occurred, the war’s trajectory might have been different,” he said.

Pappas has consistently introduced bipartisan resolutions to recognize Oxi Day since 2019. Each year he has received widespread support from both sides of the aisle.