To commemorate Greek Independence Day, the Hellenic RSL held a memorial service last Wednesday 25 March at the Australian Hellenic Memorial, and the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance.

A large crowd attended to honour the heroes who fought and died for the independence of Greece in 1821, including 35 organisations and representatives from the Greek community.

Consul General of Greece Christina Simantirakis addressed those gathered on the day, with a moving speech about the events of 1821 and the importance of the event on the Greek calendar.

Amongst the organisations was the Pan Maniot Union of Australia, whose members Ilias Bakolias and Adriana Vouterakos assisted in performing the flag duties in traditional Maniot dress.

President of the union Sotirios Mourtzeas also laid a wreath at the Australian Hellenic Memorial on behalf of the group.