General Consulate of Greece in Melbourne takes part in commemorations of the Battle of Crete

The Greeks of Melbourne honoured the sacrifice of the Cretan people and their Australian allies during the commemorations for the Battle of Crete, on 25, 26 and 27 May.  Lt. General Mr. N. Christopoulos, Chief of Staff of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff represented the leadership of the Greek Armed Forces in the festivities.

For the first time this year a wreath-laying ceremony took place (25 May) at the Australian ex-POW Memorial in Ballarat to honour ANZAC Crete and Greece POWs.  In the following days in Melbourne, the Battle of Crete official parade and wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Shrine of Remembrance, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Australian-Greek Memorial, followed by a doxology at St. Efstathios church.

The presence of two Greek Campaign and Battle of Crete veterans, 100 and 95 years of age respectively, who recounting their stories from the war during the official luncheon on 27 May at the Cretan House was a humbling experience for many.

Members of the Greek community in Melbourne as well as representatives from the Federal and the State Parliament and other officials took part in all above-mentioned events.

Battle of Crete
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