News

October 19, 2022

Oxi Day & Trick or Treating Aboard USS SLATER

On October 28^th, millions around the world will commemorate OXI (pronounced ō-hē) Day, a day honoring Greece’s courageous resistance during World War II. The day will be remembered by USS SLATER and the Capital Region’s Hellenic Community with a brief program beginning at 10:00 a.m. aboard the ship.

In 1940, Mussolini delivered an ultimatum to Greece’s Prime Minister demanding the entry of the Italian army and the occupation of Greek territory. The Prime Minister refused, and the response was quickly echoed by the people of Athens as “Oxi,” meaning “No.”

The Italian forces entered Greece through the steep Pindos Mountains. There they met fierce and unexpected resistance. Hitler was forced to delay the invasion of Russia and extend their campaign into the winter in order to subdue the Greeks when the Italians failed in their efforts. This fatal diversion proved to be a great advantage for the Allied forces. Winston Churchill paid homage to the Greek resistance by claiming, “…until now we would say that the Greeks fight like heroes.  From now on we will say that heroes fight like Greeks.”

USS SLATER has a special connection to the people of Greece. In 1951, the ship, along with three sister ships, was transferred to the Hellenic Navy and renamed AETOS (pronounced ī-tōs), meaning “Eagle.” She completed hundreds of reconnaissance missions and training cruises for Naval Cadets over a forty-year career. Every year on Oxi Day, USS SLATER pays special tribute and remembers the strong historic ties that Greece has to our ship.

On Saturday October 29^th SLATER will open her decks after hours to welcome aboard Trick or Treaters! Come in costume to hear stories of heroes, explore the decks, aim the weaponry, and collect candy aboard a WWII warship! Your $5.00 ticket includes a mini-tour of the ship, candy, prizes, activities, and more. Tickets are available at the door and the event runs from 5-7 PM.

USS SLATER, the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America, is open to the public for her 25^th season in Albany. Guided tours start every 30 minutes. No reservations are required. USS SLATER is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM, through Sunday 27 November 2022. The ship is located in Downtown Albany at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street.