Each year, the Hellenic RSL pays tribute to the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence in its own way with a church service at St Eustathios, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hellenic War Memorial, followed by a service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

The event, unlike last Sunday’s more exclusive 25 March event of the Organisational Committee for the Greek National Day of Victoria, was open to all the public who were invited to celebrate the anniversary of Greek Independence with just the right amount of pomp and pageantry, and a whole lot of meaning.

The beauty of the event each year is that it has its own Greek Australian identity, and it was the importance of the diaspora in both liberating Greece but also honouring its contribution to the world that was commemorated at the Hellenic War Memorial which lies at the foot of the Shrine of Remembrance as a reminder of what soldiers of Hellenic background have contributed to the country.

Governor of Victoria, the Honorable, Linda Desau spoke of the “debt of gratitude” that Victorians feel for the “vision and generosity of our Greek Community”.

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Hellenic RSL President Steve Kyritsis presents Victoria's Governor Linda Desau with a plaque. Photo: NK

Hellenic RSL President Steve Kyritsis offers a plaque to Greek Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis.

“Well there’s much to commemorate and there’s much to celebrate,” Ms Dessau said. “On behalf of the Victorian people, we congratulate Greece on this important anniversary and its very thoughtful approach to it, highlighting both the important historical event surrounding independence and the achievements and aspirations of the modern nation. There’s so much in this state that we owe Greece and the Greek people. The Greeks assembled here don’t need me to remind them that the ancient Greeks gave us philosophy, the greatest philosophers, the Olympics amongst many other things. But it is the modern Greeks that have indelibly changed our landscape with their immigration. Although Victoria’s flourishing Greek community has its roots as far back as the Gold Rush in the 1850s, we have greatly benefited from a number of waves of immigrations over many decades.”

She pointed out to the important relationship of Melbourne and Thessaloniki as sister cities and cultural capitals in their respective countries, showcasing once again the commonalities which bind the two regions in ways which can be seen today, she pointed out to the huge contribution of Greeks in the hospitality industry, manufacturing and academia.

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Nick Staikos MP, member for Bentleigh, lays a wreath. Photos: K. Deves

Guests at the Hellenic War Memorial.

Steve Kyritsis, President of the Hellenic RSL, arrives at the event with General of Victoria, the Honorable Linda Desau.

At the memorial, Greek Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis said, “Australians have stood side by side with Greeks in numerous theatres of war, always to fight against totaliarianism and barbarianism to fight for freedom and dignity.”

At the Hellenic RSL luncheon, he honoured the veterans present who carry the legacy of Greek revolutionaries.

There were 40 wreaths laid that day, more than ever before, to the delight of Hellenic RSL President Steve Kyritsis who was glad to see that the event keeps growing both in size, scope and meaning, managing to bring together the Greek community along with Australians, army veterans along with civilians who appreciate what they do. As a Vietnam veteran himself, he wants people to know that spirit of Greece’s resistance heroes is alive in Australia today.

Later, at the Hellenic RSL, with walls surrounded by paintings of George Kolokotronis, Papaflessas, Markos Botsaris and the like, a Greek feast was enjoyed by all in peace and friendship and the Greek Australian spirit of mateship.