Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
The Board of Directors
Within a few months of its founding, the Greek War Relief Association (GWRA) consisted of an esteemed Board of Directors and over 964 local chapters. In addition to the Board of Directors, nine regional directors and their committees operated out of their respective headquarters in metropolitan New York, upper New York state, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Philadelphia, San Francisco, new Orleans, and Dayton, Ohio. They would have much work ahead of them.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
The Board of Directors
Within a few months of its founding, the Greek War Relief Association (GWRA) consisted of an esteemed Board of Directors and over 964 local chapters.
Within a few months of its founding, the Greek War Relief Association (GWRA) consisted of an esteemed Board of Directors and over 964 local chapters. In addition to the National Board, nine regional directors and their committees operated out of their respective headquarters in metropolitan New York, upper New York state, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Philadelphia, San Francisco, new Orleans, and Dayton, Ohio. They would have much work ahead of them.
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
Within a few months of its founding, the Greek War Relief Association (GWRA) consisted of an esteemed Board of Directors and over 964 local chapters. In addition to the National Board, nine regional directors and their committees operated out of their respective headquarters in metropolitan New York, upper New York state, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Philadelphia, San Francisco, new Orleans, and Dayton, Ohio. They would have much work ahead of them.
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Archbishop Athenagoras (far right) and Spyros Skouras (far left) with GWRA Supporters.
The mission of the GWRA was “to solicit, collect and receive moneys, funds and contributions and to expend, give and contribute same for charitable purposes of furnishing aid and assistance for the relief of human suffering and distress of the Greek people.: It was a timely endeavor…
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Archbishop Athenagoras (far right) and Spyros Skouras (far left) with GWRA Supporters.
The mission of the GWRA was “to solicit, collect and receive moneys, funds and contributions
The mission of the GWRA was “to solicit, collect and receive moneys, funds and contributions and to expend, give and contribute same for charitable purposes of furnishing aid and assistance for the relief of human suffering and distress of the Greek people.: It was a timely endeavor…
Far left: Spyros Skouras, far right: Archbishop Athenagoras
The mission of the GWRA was “to solicit, collect and receive moneys, funds and contributions and to expend, give and contribute same for charitable purposes of furnishing aid and assistance for the relief of human suffering and distress of the Greek people.: It was a timely endeavor…
Far left: Spyros Skouras, far right: Archbishop Athenagoras
Image courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image from the German Federal Archives
German soldiers confiscating goods in a shop
In 1940-41, Greece was crippled by a significant annual crop deficit of 15-30%, invading German forces who confiscated what little food existed, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s announcement of a blockade for “all countries fallen into German Power.” For Greece, a country dependent on imports of wheat and foodstuffs, the circumstances of occupation and blockade devastated the country.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image from the German Federal Archives
German soldiers confiscate goods in a shop
In 1940-41, Greece was crippled by a significant annual crop deficit of 15-30%, invading German forces who confiscated what little food existed...
In 1940-41, Greece was crippled by a significant annual crop deficit of 15-30%, invading German forces who confiscated what little food existed, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s announcement of a blockade for “all countries fallen into German Power.” For Greece, a country dependent on imports of wheat and foodstuffs, the circumstances of occupation and blockade devastated the country.
Germans confiscating goods in a shop
In 1940-41, Greece was crippled by a significant annual crop deficit of 15-30%, invading German forces who confiscated what little food existed, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s announcement of a blockade for “all countries fallen into German Power.” For Greece, a country dependent on imports of wheat and foodstuffs, the circumstances of occupation and blockade devastated the country.
Image from the German Federal Archives
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image from the Politismos Collection
From 14 ounces to less than 3 ounces of bread a day...
Occupation and famine caused Greece to suffer rapid hyperinflation. A pair of shoes that cost 450 drachmas in 1940 increased to 2,204,000,000 drachmas only a year later. More shocking was that prior to October 1940, average daily bread consumption per person was 406 grams ( 14.3 ounces), by February 1942 average consumption had fallen drastically to 84 grams (2.9 ounces).
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image from the Politismos Collection
From 14 ounces to less than 3 ounces of bread a day...
Occupation and famine caused Greece to suffer rapid hyperinflation. A pair of shoes that cost 450 drachmas in 1940 increased to 2,204,000,000 drachmas only a year later. More shocking was that prior to October 1940, average daily bread consumption per person was 406 grams ( 14.3 ounces), by February 1942 average consumption had fallen drastically to 84 grams (2.9 ounces).
From 14 ounces to less than 3 ounces of bread a day...
Occupation and famine caused Greece to suffer rapid hyperinflation. A pair of shoes that cost 450 drachmas in 1940 increased to 2,204,000,000 drachmas only a year later. More shocking was that prior to October 1940, average daily bread consumption per person was 406 grams ( 14.3 ounces), by February 1942 average consumption had fallen drastically to 84 grams (2.9 ounces).
Image from the Politismos Collection
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of The Haughton Collection
Emaciated children, a result of the famine
The lack of food and fuel, combined with fear and exhaustion, led to illness, even tuberculosis. Men, women and children were dying in the streets. Soup kitchens were overrun and unable to handle the demand, and often, German soldiers amused themselves by throwing scraps of food into the street to see children fight for them.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of The Haughton Collection
Emaciated children, a result of the famine
The lack of food and fuel, combined with fear and exhaustion, led to illness, even tuberculosis...
The lack of food and fuel, combined with fear and exhaustion, led to illness, even tuberculosis. Men, women and children were dying in the streets. Soup kitchens were overrun and unable to handle the demand, and often, German soldiers amused themselves by throwing scraps of food into the street to see children fight for them.
Emaciated children in the streets...
The lack of food and fuel, combined with fear and exhaustion, led to illness, even tuberculosis. Men, women and children were dying in the streets. Soup kitchens were overrun and unable to handle the demand, and often, German soldiers amused themselves by throwing scraps of food into the street to see children fight for them.
Image courtesy of The Haughton Collection
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
1936-43 Statistical Chart on Death Rates issued by the Ministry of National Economy
During the winter of 1941-42, between 100,000 to 200,000 adults and children died as a result of famine. Considered a “rare occasion” in world famine research, the death rates in Greece during the Axis occupation (estimates state as much of 6.1% of the population) were primarily a result of starvation – not disease.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
1936-43 Statistical Chart on Death Rates issued by the Ministry of National Economy
During the winter of 1941-42, between 100,000 to 200,000 adults and children died as a result of famine.
During the winter of 1941-42, between 100,000 to 200,000 adults and children died as a result of famine. Considered a “rare occasion” in world famine research, the death rates in Greece during the Axis occupation (estimates state as much of 6.1% of the population) were primarily a result of starvation – not disease.
1936-43 Statistical Chart on Death Rates issued by Ministry of National Economy
During the winter of 1941-42, between 100,000 to 200,000 adults and children died as a result of famine. Considered a “rare occasion” in world famine research, the death rates in Greece during the Axis occupation (estimates state as much of 6.1% of the population) were primarily a result of starvation – not disease.
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
April 9, 1941 Santa Cruz Sentinel
GWRA April 1941 ad asks, "Who can help make their sad burden a little lighter... the American People!"
Through December 1941, British policy remained unchanged; Churchill argued foodstuffs going into enemy occupied lands benefitted Axis forces. An additional blockade stipulation declared goods traded with enemy (or occupied countries) would be deemed contraband and confiscated. Churchill’s blockade allowed no food into continental Europe until liberated from Axis powers.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
April 9, 1941 Santa Cruz Sentinel
GWRA April 1941 ad asks, "Who can help make their sad burden a little lighter... the American People!"
Through December 1941, British policy remained unchanged...
Through December 1941, British policy remained unchanged; Churchill argued foodstuffs going into enemy occupied lands benefitted Axis forces. An additional blockade stipulation declared goods traded with enemy (or occupied countries) would be deemed contraband and confiscated. Churchill’s blockade allowed no food into continental Europe until liberated from Axis powers.
GWRA ad asks, "Who can help make their sad burden a little lighter... the American People!"
Through December 1941, British policy remained unchanged; Churchill argued foodstuffs going into enemy occupied lands benefitted Axis forces. An additional blockade stipulation declared goods traded with enemy (or occupied countries) would be deemed contraband and confiscated. Churchill’s blockade allowed no food into continental Europe until liberated from Axis powers.
April 9, 1941 Santa Cruz Sentinel
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
King George II of Greece visits President Franklin D. Roosevelt (June 1, 1942)
The Greek government-in-exile, diplomatic representatives, and escapees used their relationships and influence to share information, documentation and photographs depicting the degree to which starvation was systematically wiping out the Greek population.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
King George II of Greece visits President Franklin D. Roosevelt (June 1, 1942)
The Greek government-in-exile, diplomatic representatives, and escapees used their relationships and influence to share information, documentation and photographs depicting the degree to which starvation was systematically wiping out the Greek population.
King George II of Greece visits President Franklin D. Roosevelt (June 1, 1942)
The Greek government-in-exile, diplomatic representatives, and escapees used their relationships and influence to share information, documentation and photographs depicting the degree to which starvation was systematically wiping out the Greek population.
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
The Triple Occupation of Greece by Axis Forces
Once Greece was occupied by Germany, Italy and Bulgaria, the GWRA stopped sending funds so that it would not fall into enemy hands. The GWRA had already raised and delivered close to $3.8 million to Greece from November 1940 through the end of March 1941, but change of circumstances required a new relief plan.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
The Triple Occupation of Greece by Axis Forces
Once Greece was occupied by Germany, Italy and Bulgaria, the GWRA stopped sending funds...
Once Greece was occupied by Germany, Italy and Bulgaria, the GWRA stopped sending funds so that it would not fall into enemy hands. The GWRA had already raised and delivered close to $3.8 million to Greece from November 1940 through the end of March 1941, but change of circumstances required a new relief plan.
The Triple Occupation of Greece by Axis Forces
Once Greece was occupied by Germany, Italy and Bulgaria, the GWRA stopped sending funds so that it would not fall into enemy hands. The GWRA had already raised and delivered close to $3.8 million to Greece from November 1940 through the end of March 1941, but change of circumstances required a new relief plan.
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
GWRA magazine ad seeks food and monetary donations for Greece
The GWRA began to focus on sending food and medical supplies to relieve the famine that was quickly decimating the Greek population.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
GWRA magazine ad seeks food and monetary donations for Greece
The GWRA began to focus on sending food and medical supplies to relieve the famine that was quickly decimating the Greek population.
GWRA magazine ad seeks food and monetary donations for Greece
The GWRA began to focus on sending food and medical supplies to relieve the famine that was quickly decimating the Greek population.
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of the Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
The GWRA hosts a Food and Medical Supplies Drive
Charity drives began throughout the United States for foodstuffs, clothing, medical supplies and money that would pay for the shipment of these items.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of the Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
The GWRA hosts a Food and Medical Supplies Drive
Charity drives began throughout the United States for foodstuffs, clothing, medical supplies and money that would pay for the shipment of these items.
The GWRA hosts a Food and Medical Supplies Drive
Charity drives began throughout the United States for foodstuffs, clothing, medical supplies and money that would pay for the shipment of these items.
Image courtesy of the Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Children participating in fundraising efforts of the GWRA
Communities held fundraisers and food drives, children sang or sold flowers on street corners, and the American government did its part by issuing war bonds and postage stamps.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Children participating in fundraising efforts of the GWRA
Communities held fundraisers and food drives, children sang or sold flowers on street corners, and the American government did its part by issuing war bonds and postage stamps.
Children participating in GWRA fundraising efforts
Communities held fundraisers and food drives, children sang or sold flowers on street corners, and the American government did its part by issuing war bonds and postage stamps.
Image courtesy of the Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Lest it be too late – help Greece now” - Fundraising efforts in Toronto, Canada 1943
The GWRA efforts spanned Canada, the United States and South America. Volunteers spent countless hours raising both funds and awareness for the Greek cause. And the response from the general public was overwhelming.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Lest it be too late – help Greece now” - Fundraising efforts in Toronto, Canada 1943
The GWRA efforts spanned Canada, the United States and South America. Volunteers spent countless hours raising both funds and awareness for the Greek cause. And the response from the general public was overwhelming.
Lest it be too late – help Greece now” - Fundraising efforts in Toronto, Canada 1943
The GWRA efforts spanned Canada, the United States and South America. Volunteers spent countless hours raising both funds and awareness for the Greek cause. And the response from the general public was overwhelming.
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
GWRA National President Skouras telegram announces successful missions
The GWRA, with the Red Cross, now devised a new delivery plan - a British corporation (through the GWRA) would purchase foodstuffs from Turkey which the International Red Cross would ship and distribute to the Greek people. Churchill consented, hoping it may bring Turkey closer into the Allied fold. On October 29, 1941 the plan was executed successfully bringing aid to Greece.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
GWRA National President Skouras telegram announces successful missions
The GWRA, with the Red Cross, now devised a new delivery plan - a British corporation (through the GWRA) would purchase foodstuffs from Turkey which the International Red Cross would ship and distribute to the Greek people. Churchill consented, hoping it may bring Turkey closer into the Allied fold. On October 29, 1941 the plan was executed successfully bringing aid to Greece.
GWRA National President Skouras announces successful missions
The GWRA, with the Red Cross, now devised a new delivery plan - a British corporation (through the GWRA) would purchase foodstuffs from Turkey which the International Red Cross would ship and distribute to the Greek people. Churchill consented, hoping it may bring Turkey closer into the Allied fold. On October 29, 1941 the plan was executed successfully bringing aid to Greece.
Image courtesy of the Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Basil J. Vlavianos, Editor of Ethnikos Keryx (National Herald) and member of the GWRA
Roosevelt and the American public, greatly influenced by an organized Greek-American campaign, continued to pressure Churchill over the blockade. Basil J. Vlavianos, owner/editor of Ethnikos Keryx (National Herald, a major Greek-language daily in the US) played a key role in the campaign through his public appearances, radio interviews and editorials in various mainstream newspapers making public the horrendous predicament in Greece.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Basil J. Vlavianos, Editor of Ethnikos Keryx (National Herald) and member of the GWRA
Roosevelt and the American public, greatly influenced by an organized Greek-American campaign, continued to pressure Churchill...
Roosevelt and the American public, greatly influenced by an organized Greek-American campaign, continued to pressure Churchill over the blockade. Basil J. Vlavianos, owner/editor of Ethnikos Keryx (National Herald, a major Greek-language daily in the US) played a key role in the campaign through his public appearances, radio interviews and editorials in various mainstream newspapers making public the horrendous predicament in Greece.
Basil J. Vlavianos, Editor of Ethnikos Keryx (National Herald) and member of the GWRA
Roosevelt and the American public, greatly influenced by an organized Greek-American campaign, continued to pressure Churchill over the blockade. Basil J. Vlavianos, owner/editor of Ethnikos Keryx (National Herald, a major Greek-language daily in the US) played a key role in the campaign through his public appearances, radio interviews and editorials in various mainstream newspapers making public the horrendous predicament in Greece.
Image courtesy of the Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
A GWRA newspaper ad continues the appeal for aid to Greece
By the end of February 1942, Churchill finally reassessed the British position and finally conceded to the outside pressure, lifting the blockade of relief convoys. With the blockade lifted, relief options once again changed drastically.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
A GWRA newspaper ad continues the appeal for aid to Greece
By the end of February 1942, Churchill finally reassessed the British position and finally conceded to the outside pressure, lifting the blockade of relief convoys. With the blockade lifted, relief options once again changed drastically.
A GWRA ad continues the appeal for aid to Greece
By the end of February 1942, Churchill finally reassessed the British position and finally conceded to the outside pressure, lifting the blockade of relief convoys. With the blockade lifted, relief options once again changed drastically.
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Mercy Ships hired by the GWRA bringing aid to Greece
Shortly thereafter, GWRA National President Skouras took a proposal to US Assistant Secretary of State Sumner Welles, “Operation Blockade.” It called for a charter vessel, from a neutral country, to be loaded (primarily with wheat) and dispatch it to Greece. The US fully endorsed the plan with the British agreeing as long as it was perceived as coming from a neutral country (Sweden). The GWRA agreed, their only focus being to get the much-needed relief to Greece.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Mercy Ships hired by the GWRA bringing aid to Greece
Shortly thereafter, GWRA National President Skouras took a proposal to US Assistant Secretary of State Sumner Welles, “Operation Blockade.”
Shortly thereafter, GWRA National President Skouras took a proposal to US Assistant Secretary of State Sumner Welles, “Operation Blockade.” It called for a charter vessel, from a neutral country, to be loaded (primarily with wheat) and dispatch it to Greece. The US fully endorsed the plan with the British agreeing as long as it was perceived as coming from a neutral country (Sweden). The GWRA agreed, their only focus being to get the much-needed relief to Greece.
GWRA hired Mercy Ships bringing aid to Greece
Shortly thereafter, GWRA National President Skouras took a proposal to US Assistant Secretary of State Sumner Welles, “Operation Blockade.” It called for a charter vessel, from a neutral country, to be loaded (primarily with wheat) and dispatch it to Greece. The US fully endorsed the plan with the British agreeing as long as it was perceived as coming from a neutral country (Sweden). The GWRA agreed, their only focus being to get the much-needed relief to Greece.
Image courtesy of the Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
1942 Minutes from the National GWRA Meeting confirming funds for Mercy Ships
The GWRA coordinated the proposal with the Canadian Greek War Relief Fund; shipments of foodstuffs – especially wheat – would originate in large part from Canada. On August 7, 1942, three Swedish vessels carrying 15,000 tons of wheat and 50 tons of medical supplies left Montreal for Pireaus. Monthly transports followed soon after.
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Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
1942 Minutes from the National GWRA Meeting confirming funds for Mercy Ships
The GWRA coordinated the proposal with the Canadian Greek War Relief Fund; shipments of foodstuffs – especially wheat – would originate in large part from Canada. On August 7, 1942, three Swedish vessels carrying 15,000 tons of wheat and 50 tons of medical supplies left Montreal for Pireaus. Monthly transports followed soon after.
National GWRA 1942 Meeting Minutes confirm Mercy Ship funds
The GWRA coordinated the proposal with the Canadian Greek War Relief Fund; shipments of foodstuffs – especially wheat – would originate in large part from Canada. On August 7, 1942, three Swedish vessels carrying 15,000 tons of wheat and 50 tons of medical supplies left Montreal for Pireaus. Monthly transports followed soon after.
Image courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
The Suorva, one of the Swedish Mercy Ships
With shipments of foodstuffs and medical supplies, the famine of 1941-42 was never again repeated. The survival of the Greek people was due largely in part to the GWRA efforts - foodstuffs and supplies sent prevented a repetition of the devastating famine and high death rates.
e
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image courtesy of Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections
and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
The Suorva, one of the Swedish Mercy Ships
With shipments of foodstuffs and medical supplies, the famine of 1941-42 was never again repeated. The survival of the Greek people was due largely in part to the GWRA efforts - foodstuffs and supplies sent prevented a repetition of the devastating famine and high death rates.
The Suorva, one of the Swedish Mercy Ships
With shipments of foodstuffs and medical supplies, the famine of 1941-42 was never again repeated. The survival of the Greek people was due largely in part to the GWRA efforts - foodstuffs and supplies sent prevented a repetition of the devastating famine and high death rates.
Image courtesy of the Basil J. Vlavianos papers, Department of Special Collections and University Archives, The Library. California State University, Sacramento
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image from the Politismos Collection
"Greece Fights On" by E. McKnight Kauffer
Commissioned by the Office of Information, Greece
One can easily argue that had it not been for the actions of the GWRA and all Greek-Americans, the starvation in Greece would have lasted up through the end of the war. The GWRA relief missions significantly helped the people of Greece to survive until liberation reached their country.
e
Greek-Americans Respond to OXI Day:
The Greek War Relief Association
NOVEMBER 2015 - MARCH 2016
Image from the Politismos Collection
"Greece Fights On" by E. McKnight Kauffer, Commissioned by the Office of Information, Greece
One can easily argue that had it not been for the actions of the GWRA and all Greek-Americans, the starvation in Greece would have lasted up through the end of the war. The GWRA relief missions significantly helped the people of Greece to survive until liberation reached their country.
"Greece Fights On" by E. McKnight Kauffer
One can easily argue that had it not been for the actions of the GWRA and all Greek-Americans, the starvation in Greece would have lasted up through the end of the war. The GWRA relief missions significantly helped the people of Greece to survive until liberation reached their country.
"Greece Fights On" by E. McKnight Kauffer
Commissioned by the Office of Information, Greece
Image from the Politismos Collection