Greek-Australians gather across their cities every year to mark the revolutionary formation of a modern Greece that broke free of a 400 year Ottoman rule.
A sea of white and blue flags wave vigorously in the hands of the young children that hold them tight, who learn what Greek independence means in the context of their own limited knowledge of the big wide world.
200 years later, the vast community of Greek-Australians, young and old, who have made their own sacrifices in life and continue to preserve a culture that means so much to them take to the streets to commemorate and give thanks to the ancestors that gave them the opportunity to do so.
Neos Kosmos takes a march through time, sharing decades of memories celebrating 25 March, 1821.
READ MORE: Honouring Greece’s 200 years of Independence at the Shrine of Remembrance
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Greek families celebrate their National Day by gathering for a picnic. Helenic National Picnic, Queensland, March 1912 Photo: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Children's theatre production at the Hellenic Club, Brisbane, 1928 Photo: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Angelina Panos shares this photo of her father (R) James Mikas (Demetrios Michalopoulos) who came from Aigealeias, Peloponnessos. The photograph was taken at Saint Sophia Church in Sydney around 1940 – 1941. Photo: Supplied by Angelina Panos
Stephanie Dimopoulos remembers 'parelasi' practise at St John’s Greek School during the 60s, wearing a white t-shirt and blue skirt or traditional costumes, and marching around the Olympic Pool in Melbourne. Photo: Supplied by Stephanie Dimopoulos
Ms Dimopoulos' father was opposed to his children wearing the white t-shirts as he had flashbacks of groups of orphans walking to church after the war. He quickly had traditional costumes sewn for them. These costumes have now been passed down through her own family as heirlooms. Photo: Supplied by Stephanie Dimopoulos, circa 1960s
Despina Christodoulou (L), her sister Mary (R) and their best friend Angelique (C) prepare to march for Greek Independence Day sometime during the early 60s. Photo: Supplied by Despina Christodoulou
Greek flag, Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Greek Independence Day celebrations, Sydney, NSW, 1984 Photo: Effy Alexakis, In Their Own Image project
Greek Independence Day celebrations, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW 1984 Photo: Effy Alexakis, In Their Own Image project
Martina Simos stands with her cousin Theo Simos in their traditional Greek clothing in 1972. The velvet on top of a wool fabric, finished with embroidery was gifted to Ms Simos by her grandmother, who has worn it when she married. Photo: Supplied by Martina Simos
Martina Simos recites her poem celebrating Greek Independence Photo: Supplied by Martina Simos
A group of children from Ashfield Greek school prepare to join in on the march. Helen Giannakis recalls Gough Whitlam being present and shaking his hand. Photo: Supplied by Helen Giannakis
A young Helen Giannakis recites her poem for 25 March celebrations Photo: Supplied by Helen Giannakis
Former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam shakes hands with the then current Prime Minister John Howard at the Sydney Opera House, where thousands of Greek Australians gathered to celebrate Greek Independence Day festivities, Sydney, 20 March 20, 2005 Photo: AAP Image via Mick Tsikas
Former Prime Minister John Howard at the Sydney Opera House, where thousands of Greek Australians gathered to celebrate Greek Independence Day festivities in 2005. Photo: AAP Image via Mick Tsikas
Former Victorian Premier John Brumby pays his respects in 2009 Photo: NK Archive
In 2011 former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu lays a wreath during 25 March processions Photo: NK Archive
Prime Minister Julia Gillard attends a Greek Independence Day celebration at the Domain, Sydney, Sunday, March 24, 2013. (L-R) Samuel Mytilinos, 11, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Anna Maria Parisis, 9. Photo: AAP Image via Jane Dempster
Then: A young Vasili Berbatakis (L) stands in his traditional costume alongside his mother and sister in 2003 in preparation for the march in Melbourne Photo: Supplied by Vasili Berbatakis
Now: Vasili Berbatakis continues marching and continues honouring his heritage as the 2020 Cretan Brotherhood Youth President Photo: Supplied by Vasili Berbatakis
NUGAS President Denise Serdenes (R) has grown up going to the marches since she was a young girl Photo: Supplied by Denise Serdenes
President of former R.S.L. Greek sub-branch of NSW Harry Andrews preparing for procession in Martin Place, Sydney. Mr Andrews is now serving as president of the Hellenic and Cypriot Veterans Association. Photo: Supplied by Harry Andrews
In more recent years, students of St Andrews Greek School the 25 March tradition, making their way to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne Photo: Supplied by school principal Helen Lambris
Cultural clubs make sure to include members young and old in celebrations, 2010 Photo: NK Archive
The Greek Community School of Geelong made the long trip into Melbourne to join the community for the march in 2011 Photo: NK Archive
Youngsters with Cretan heritage march in 2012 Photo: NK Archive
Oakleigh Grammar students join the parade in 2009 Photo: NK Archive
St George College has participate in the parelasi for many years, here is a throwback to 1993 Photo: Supplied by St George College
South Australia's St George College also visit church on 25 March Photo: Supplied by St George College
St George College students dressed in their traditional costumes Photo: Supplied by St George College