Hundreds joined author Steve Kyritsis at Queens Hall in the Victorian Parliament building last week to celebrate the publication of his new book Greek Australians in WWI and WWII.
Officially launched by Murray Thompson MP on behalf of the Victorian Premier, Mr Thompson made an impassioned speech paying tribute to men and women of Greek descent who had served in Australia’s armed forces and thanked Steve Kyritsis for creating “a lasting tribute to their ideals, service and courage.”
In addition to the author, Martin Foley MP, representing the opposition, the Greek Consul for Victoria, Eleni Lianidou, and Major Terry Kanellos, secretary of the RSL Hellenic Sub Branch also addressed the large audience, which included many Greek Australian veterans.
Federal and state politicians from across the political divide were also present to add their support to the occasion. After the event Steve Kyritsis who is President of the RSL Hellenic Sub-Branch, told Neos Kosmos: “It was a very satisfying and emotional day, particularly seeing the veterans at the launch from both WWII and Vietnam.”
“I felt I had a duty as a veteran myself to tell these stories going back more than 100 years,” said Mr Kyritsis.
“These veterans in the book, their names were in a dark room, and I wanted them to be acknowledged.”