A giant-size banner is covering the facade of Thessaloniki City Hall in remembrance of the 353,000 Greeks of Pontos killed by Turks in 1919, while in Melbourne – Thessaloniki’s sister city – the Greek Centre was drenched in a red, symbolic of the blood which was spilt during the Genocide.
The illumination of the Greek Centre was funded by four Greek Australian businessmen who do not wish to be named.
Despite the quiet of the Melbourne city centre, not yet recovered from the COVID-19 restrictions, the silent red drew the gaze of passers-by.
The Greek Centre in red. Photo: NK
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also gave a special message to honour the day. “Α century ago, the Pontian Greeks became the victims of an unprecedented atrocity. They were persecuted, displaced and exterminated. Those who survived left behind their ancestral homes to rise up again in the motherland,” he said.
There was a moving change to the presidential guard outside Greek Parliament on Tuesday with the sounds of the Pontian lyre, as Pontian Evzones carried out the ceremonial changing of the guards before the tomb of the unknown soldier. Crowds cheered as they watched the tribute to the 19 May remembrance.
The banner in Thessaloniki was placed on Saturday, and shows a map of Pontus with an eagle in front. The date 19 May, 1919 is stained in blood and the words “I lost my homeland, I cried and I was in pain” are printed on the banner.
Memorial day for the Genocide of Greeks of Pontus demands recognition of the 353,000 unburied Greeks who have yet to receive justice.
READ MORE: Pontian groups commemorate the Genocide with a memorial service and wreath-laying
In Thessaloniki, a memorial service to honour the victims was held at the Monument to the Genocide of POntians in Agia Sofia Square on Tuesday at 10am (local time).
Australian groups representing Pontians held a service and placed wreaths at Axion Esti in Northcote, Melbourne, on Sunday.
READ MORE: Commemorating the Pontian Genocide on 19 May
In Athens, a special plenary meeting will be held in Greek Parliament to commemorate the Genocide which was recognised by the Greek government on 24 February, 1994. Last year, Greek Parliament was drenched in red and back lights in commemoration of the day.