Not even Storm Mangga, one of the biggest storms to hit the West Australian coast for many years, could put a stop to the commemoration of the Battle of Crete that took place at the King’s Park Memorial overlooking the Swan River in Perth on Tuesday (26 May).

The Consulate of Greece in Perth organised the event which also commemorated the Pontian Greek genocide during World War One.

Greek Orthodox Bishop Elpidios of Kyaneon and Father Terry Gerovasilis offered the memorial prayer.

Also present was Kerry Anderson AC CVO, Warden of the State War Memorial, Simon Millman MLA, representing the Premier of WA, and Peter Katsambanis MLA, representing the Leader of the Opposition.

The Deputy Commissioner, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Peter King was there with Don Blair OAM RFD ED, representing the RSL WA.

Representing the armed forces was Air Commander Fiona Dowse, Senior Officer WA; Lieutenant Colonel Antony Cattai, Commanding Officer 11th/28 Battle Group, Graeme Johnson, representing the 2/11th Battalion, and Bill Evangel, President of the Greek Australian RSL and Chair of the Battle of Crete Memorial Committee.

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The President of the Cretan Brotherhood WA, Manolis Yeroyianakis attended as did IIlias Iliadis, for the Pontian Brotherhood WA, Byron Spartalis, President Hellenic Community WA, and John Karakatsanakis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community WA

The Consul, Georgia Karasiotou,who attended with other members of the consulate said: “ Today (Tuesday) we commemorated the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, with a simple and informal wreath laying ceremony at King’s Park Memorial in line with the current special circumstances and restrictions.

“The world is going through an extraordinary health crisis and today was the worst weather in Perth in a decade, but the people we were honouring have been through worse. Even under these challenging times we remember them, we tribute to them and reaffirm lasting and thriving Greek-Australian friendship.”

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