Event for the 72th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete

On Thursday, May 16, 2013 the Embassy of Greece and the Defense, Military Naval and Air Attache Office welcomed the representatives of missions of Armed Forces of approximately 40 countries, to celebrate the 72th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
Ambassador Panagopoulos and Defense Attaché, Colonel Evangelos Papadopoulos delivered welcome speeches, during which they stressed the importance of the Battle of Crete in the outcome of WWII and the contribution of the Greek people. The main speaker of the event, Professor Mr. John Psaroudakis -of Greek origin-, touched upon his personal experiences of the events, which he witnessed at the age of 9.
Representatives of the missions of the Armed Forces of New Zealand, Air Vice Marshal Graham Lintott, of Australia, Brigadier Barry McManus, and of the UK, Colonel Richard Smith, also attended the event and praised the fighting spirit of the Cretans, who fought valiantly, many unarmed, on the side of the Allies.
"The strength of the Cretans and the friendship of the Greek people will never be forgotten in New Zealand" (Air Vice Marshal Graham Lintott).
"My army will never forget the support and the sacrifices made by the Greek people to rescue our soldiers during the battles of 1941" (Brigadier Barry McManus).
"The great bravery of the Cretans, many of whom sacrificed their lives in defending their island and freedom, will remain indelible" (Col. Richard Smith).