Spirits were high and the turnout was strong at the commemorative dinner held on Saturday by the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
Community and church representatives, families with their young ones, Greeks and Philhellenes gathered to honour the historical battle that brought Greeks, Australians and New Zealanders together.
The friendship and love forged on Crete among these three nations was emphasized by speakers, while traditional Cretan music and dancing at its best were the highlights of the night.
This year’s commemorations have a special significance given the 200 years’ anniversary of Greek Independence, a fact not missed by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison who made a mention to the bicentenary in his message for the historic landmark celebration.
MR Morrison addressed the message to the Cretan Association of Sydney congratulating them on their commemorations for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
“Australians remember that battle and those times. We too draw strength from the courage, determination and example of those who have done so much for the cause of freedom,” an excerpt of the message reads.
Mr Morrison notes the once-in-a-century pandemic is “a time when Greek people can draw strength from their rich history.”
Paying tribute to the “brave and stoic Cretans” who fought alongside the Allied forces, he refers to “a deep friendship” that was forged between the two countries in the aftermath of the battle.
“Today, we reflect on the spirit of sacrifice and shared humanity enacted on Crete in 1941. We rejoice in our enduring friendship, nurtured by ties of blood and fostered by mutual respect. As we stood together in war, so we stand together in peace — our eyes fixed firmly on a future shaped by the valour of the past,” the message concludes.
