The official visit of the Greek Presidential Guard in Melbourne is well underway, with the Evzones having already attended a series of commemorative events and taken part in Holy week celebrations.

In between their busy schedule, they carved out some time to attend a special event held at the headquarters of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria “ο Kolokotronis”.

The event hosted at the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria “ο Kolokotronis” was organised by Victoria’s Organisational Committee for the Greek National Day.

Supported by Victoria’s Organisational Committee for the Greek National Day, the occasion was an opportunity for the Evzones to meet Melbourne’s Arcadians and enjoy a night of hospitality in their honour.

Those gathered were treated to a rare appearance of the Greek Presidential Guard Members, who attended in civil clothes and accepted the crowd’s invitations for photo opportunities.

Children were enthusiastic to meet members of the Greek Presidential Guard in person at the Kolokotronis association event.

Neos Kosmos‘ Maria Kampyli spoke to Konstantinos, a member of the Presidential Guard for 10 months, Panayiotis with 7 months service under his belt, and Yiannis, whose tenure in the elite unit has reached maturity with 27 days left.

“It’s impossible to describe how happy and honoured we feel. We weren’t expecting to receive so much love not just from Melbourne Greeks, but Australians too,” they told Neos Kosmos.

Ceremonial salute at the Australian Hellenic Memorial by a Greek Presidential Guard Member. Photo: Kostas Deves.

On Saturday, as part of their appearances at official events, the Evzones attended a Commemorative Service at the Australian Hellenic Memorial paying tribute to soldiers who lost their lives during World War II.

The Battle of Kalamata service held at the Australian Hellenic Memorial in Melbourne’s Domain was well attended. Photo: Kostas Deves.

Dignitaries, community members and children made their way to the annual Battle of Kalamata commemorative service to pay their respects and see the Evzones participating in this year’s event.

the annual Battle of Kalamata commemorative service took place on Saturday at the Australian Hellenic Memorial. Photo: Kostas Deves
Laying of wreaths at the Australian Hellenic Memorial to honour the WWII fallen. Photo: Kostas Deves.
Greece’s Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis (first from left) was among those who attended the Battle of Kalamata commemorative service. Photo: Kostas Deves.

Among the attendees were historian Jim Claven representing the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee, along with Vice President Christina Despoteris.

In his address, Kalamata Society President Sam Vlachos reminder the old and informed the young about the Greek campaign culminating in the battle of Kalamata which was fought on the evening of 28 April, with the Victorian Captain Albert Gray and Kiwi Sergeant Jack Hinton leading the successful Allied counter-attack .

Young participants of the Battle of Kalamata commemoration were informed about the Greek campaign culminating in the waterfront battle fought on the evening of 28 April. Photo: Kostas Deves.