Standing tall and proud, the twelve soldiers of the Hellenic Presidential Guard, and their Lieutenant General, Head of the Military Office of the President of the Hellenic Republic, were welcomed in Adelaide last night by Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall, who held a private reception in their honour.
“I would like to extend an extraordinary warm welcome to the representatives of the Hellenic Presidential Guard who are with us.
“History, time and circumstances have brought Greece and Australia together helping to forge unique cultural and ancestral bonds that have lasted generations and have strengthened over time. On behalf of the people of SA, I would like to thank President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos for giving permission for the Evzones to return to Adelaide,” said Premier Marshall, before proceeding to congratulate all members of the Greek South Australian community for their invaluable contribution and commitment in all sectors of the South Australian society. You are truly an inspiration and an example of how hard work, enterprise and perseverance is rewarded in Australia.”
The Evzones arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday afternoon and took part in the Dawn Service at the City of West Torrens Memorial Grounds this morning.
Following the Service, the elite members of the Presidential Guard also marched as part of the traditional Anzac Day Parade through the streets of Adelaide.
Unlike previous years, Adelaide was the only Australian state to be graced with the presence of Evzones as part of Anzac services. They agreed to alter their pace in order to accompany the Australian soldiers during the parade, and marched alongside them to commemorate the role of the soldiers of Crete and Greece. Their presence casts light on soldiers referred to as the ‘forgotten Anzacs’ and honours the relationship between Greece and Australia.
The Presidential Guard will remain in Adelaide for seven days filled with activities, including participation in this year’s Greek Orthodox Easter Celebrations.
The Evzones’ visit to Adelaide was made possible thanks to the generous support of SA’s local Greek community.
The anticipated visit has already been received with great enthusiasm by the members of the Greek and Australian communities.
The visit will conclude on 1 May.