In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of OXI Day, the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) hosted book signings/presentations in Atlanta and Chicago, featuring Dr. George C. Blytas, author of “The First Victory: Greece in the Second World War.” The book was jointly published by AHIF and Cosmos Publishing.
Chicago’s event, hosted under the auspices of The World Council of Hellenes Abroad USA Region (SAE-USA) was held at the National Hellenic Museum.
“We were thrilled to host Dr. Blytas, who discussed the significant role Greece played in Word War II, and specifically, her heroic action of October 28, 1940 and its impact on the balance of the war,” stated AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis, who was also in Chicago for the event.
In discussing OXI Day, Blytas stated, “…after rapid incursion of about 15 miles into Epirus, three Italian divisions were stopped by the artillery of Division A which at that time was only 60 percent mobilized. In the course of the week-long battle that followed the Italian divisions were badly hurt.”
The author signed copies of his book and greeted guests prior to the event.
He began researching in 1992, and upon his retirement in 2001, began to write. “The sources are Greek military and political archives, as well as Italian, German, British and American articles, books and interviews. It is defined as a military and political history of Greece in WWII. Its introduction, covers the historical developments in Greece and in Europe from 1910 to 1940, when Greece was invaded,” Blytas explained.
Born in Cairo, Egypt, he first pursued a career in music and was instrumental in establishing a branch of the National Conservatory of Greece in Cairo. Political events in Cairo and the Middle East during the mid-1950’s prompted a mass exodus of European professionals, and a change in career plans. In 1961, he obtained a doctorate in Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Upon graduation, Blytas joined the research department of a major oil company for a distinguished 39-year career.
Dr. Blytas is active in the Greek community in Houston. In 1975, he founded The Hellenic Professional Society of Texas and was elected its first president.
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