Greeks in America - eBooks4Greeks.gr

THE GREEKS IN AMERICA 115majority are living an insular or clannish life, frequentingthe Greek centers, clubs and cotfee-housesand all the time associated with their compatriotsonly. So that they do not learn English and cannotget American ideas.RESULTS AS REFLECTED IN WAR SERVICELoyal service in war.—The Greeks proved theirloyalty to the United States and the cause of theAllies, by enlisting in great numbers to serve underthe Stars and Stripes. Some 60,000 thus renderedvaluable service in the war. Those from Greeceproper according to an agreement between Greeceand the United States by service under the Americanflag were counted as under the Greek flag. Otherswere from Turkey, and as such might have claimedexemption as enemy aliens. But very few took advantageof this opportunity. Proportionately agreater number of Greeks were enlisted in the UnitedStates, as many of them were young men withoutfamilies, and of military age. Many Greeks werecited for distinguished service in France.Bought Liberty bonds.—Greeks bought extensivelyof Liberty and Victory bonds. According tofigures published in the Greek press, they boughtover $30,000,000 worth,' during the third LibertyLoan campaign alone. Men, women and even childrentook a prominent part during all the campaigns,selling Liberty Bonds. The clergy, the societies, especiallythe press, did their best in promoting thevarious drives. They also contributed liberally tothe Eed Cross and other benevolent organizations.Many florists, confectioners and others offered theirproceeds for one or more days, sometimes a wholeweek, to such patriotic and philanthropic causes.Greek relief committee.—One of the organizationsformed to assist war sufferers in Thrace and Asia