Woodside: Next Sunday New York City will host an event that deserves national attention. When the Greek Independence Day Parade marches up Fifth Ave. on April 26, it will mark more than a cultural celebration, it will reaffirm democratic values at a time when those values can no longer be assumed to speak for themselves.
This year’s parade commemorates two revolutions that reshaped the modern world: the American Revolution of 1776 and the Greek Revolution of 1821. Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 205th anniversary of Greece’s fight for freedom, the theme “205/250” underscores a shared truth: democracy is hard-won, fragile, and dependent on civic commitment.
The relationship between Greece and the United States is rooted in this truth. American philhellenes championed Greek independence because they recognized their own revolutionary ideals in another people’s struggle for self-determination, proof that liberty and representative government are not confined by borders. That bond endures today. But history also teaches that democratic systems erode when citizens forget how they were built or why they matter. In an era of rising authoritarianism and growing historical amnesia, public acts of remembrance take on renewed importance.
The Greek Independence Day Parade is more than pageantry. It is a statement of values and a reminder that democracy survives only when it is actively honored, defended and renewed.
George Paralemos, 2026 parade vice chair, Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York
Pay your way
Manhattan: So, the doorman strike has been averted, and it’s been reported that landlords will use “creative” means to meet the new demands. If you’re a tenant in NYC, whether stabilized or market rate, and have been talked into autopay, get out of it now because money may be sucked out of your account to cover this tab. If you have been told that the Post Office is bad and your rent check didn’t arrive and you have to cancel check after check, pay your rent in person and get a receipt. Landlords claim autopay is “green” and therefore noble. The only thing green about it is what goes into their wallets.
Diane Moriarty
Right to work
Brooklyn: There are vendors everywhere throughout NYC, on the streets and in trucks. Many vendors sell fruit, clothes, food, etc. Many are illegal, especially the food vendors who sell out of their cars day and night. Here in south Brooklyn, it is seen all the time. An ordinary American citizen, military veteran or retired senior citizen who wants to make a few extra dollars finds it extremely difficult to acquire a vendor license. On the other hand, migrants newly arrived in this country are able to acquire a vendor license with ease. This is a clear case of favoritism. People who’ve paid their dues, especially veterans and seniors, should be given more serious consideration in getting a license. Any other state gives everyone an equal chance in acquiring one. Our mayor and governor need to make sure licenses are given to those who’ve earned that right.
Joseph Comperchio
Men need help
Manhattan: Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline and many shelters offer services to men who have been abused. Society still tries to push men to bottle up their feelings and not mention anything. In 2026, more men express their feelings, and reaching out could include therapy. While it’s true that men are less likely to seek mental health help than women, more than three times as many men sought help in 2023 as did in 2014. Men with issues like abuse should turn to therapy toward better mental health, not just in a crisis, said Will Edler, a psychologist at South Texas Veterans Health Care System. He mentioned that they’re in control of everything during therapy, and added that his job is to help them make great decisions and to feel good about what they’re doing.
Alan Lehrer
It’ll be missed
Brooklyn: Too bad the Daily News dropped that weekly TV trivia column that appeared every Saturday. I enjoyed it greatly.
Eric Wollman
Slacking on sports
Belle Harbor: I’m an avid reader of the Daily News and have always enjoyed your sports coverage. However, I’ve noticed that you have not printed the Dodgers box scores on many occasions, even two days after the game. All other teams’ box scores are in the paper. Also, you haven’t posted Yoshi Yamamoto’s stats correctly since last season. I loved the Dodgers when they were in Brooklyn and continue to be a fan. Please, better coverage in the future.
Joseph Mintzer
Slipping away
Bronx: Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil all came up through the Mets organization. They were like watching your kids play. Loyalty to the fans by keeping homegrown players is more important to me, and I’d bet other Mets faithful, than the mess you created. Shame on you for what you’ve done to us. I guess this is kind of what it felt like when the Dodgers went from Brooklyn to L.A.
John Cirolia
Have faith
Jersey City: Relax, fellow Mets fans. David Stearns built this team with one eye firmly focused on the World Series against the hated Yankees! You gotta believe (in October)!
Klaus Habeck
Who’s the real threat?
Kings Park, L.I.: I don’t comprehend the argument that we need to eliminate Iran’s potential to acquire nuclear weapons. Russia, China and North Korea have long had these weapons and are no friendlier to the United States than Iran. Should we go to war with these countries for fear that they’ll use them against us? Remember, only the U.S. ever used an atomic weapon in war. After World War II, Albert Einstein was asked what kind of weapons would be used if there was ever a World War III. Contemplating the question, he finally replied, “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”
John Karahalis
Couldn’t resist
Kew Gardens: It’s not uncommon for popes to be outspoken about various aspects of United States policy throughout the decades. Various popes, citing Christian values, have commented on wars, abortion, human rights and the like. This is what they do in their mission to promote peace and love throughout the world. Past presidents have met with popes and taken their criticisms on the chin, so to speak, but never has a president excoriated a pope in a public manner. Popes are not infallible, but President Trump needed to demur and be mindful of what he represents. Given the papier-mâché-like thickness of his skin, that was not possible for him.
Phil Serpico
Select Scripture
Manalapan, N.J.: Trump is scheduled to read from the Bible on national TV tomorrow evening. How about reading the sections dealing with adultery and speaking non-truths?
Joe Fontanelli