A special tribute ceremony was held in memory of WWI Sergeant in the Australian Forces Nicholas Rodakis on Friday 8 December in Melbourne.
In an atmosphere filled with emotion, a headstone and plaque were presented to his grave, 62 years after his passing, in the presence of his wife Ellen and dignitaries.
Among those who attended the event were the Greek Ambassador to Australia Georgios Papakostas, Greece’s Consul General in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Rodakis’ great grandson Stephen Cairns, Steve Kyritsis OAM on behalf of the Hellenic RSL, President of RSL Victoria Dr Robert Webster OAM as well as Andrew Erikson and Gareth Williams from the Falkner Cemetery Trust.
In his speech Ambassador Papakostas stressed the importance of remembering the legacy of Seargent Nicholas Rodakis, as a hero in WWI, having served in both the Australian and American Forces.
Sergeant Rodakis has been awarded with the Australian Military medal and the Unites States Distinguish Service Cross.
Tom Chidiac was also in attendance, representing the United States Government at the event and making an address around Rodakis’ spirit of bravery.
A trisagion and blessing ceremony was conducted by Fr Chris Dimolianis. The event was made possible also thanks to the support provided by George Ballas OAM, Terry Kanellos OAM and the Hellenic RSL in Melbourne.
