The Hellenic RSL Melbourne has celebrated Greek Independence Day and honoured the sacrifice made by the heroes of 1821.
Tributes began with a eulogy at the St Eustathios Church in South Melbourne.
A ceremony followed at the Australian Hellenic Memorial with a prayer from fathers Christos and Panteleimon, the raising of the flags, the reciting of the oath to promise “we will remember them” and the playing of the national anthems.
Consulate-General of Greece Emmanuel Kakavelakis then gave a speech highlighting the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors.
He said the Greek people should be proud of the service and sacrifice from all those that gave so much for Greece for its independence.
This followed with the laying of the wreaths by the presidents and representatives of organisations.
Among those in attendance were MP Lee Tarlamis representing the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen, Anne Kenos on behalf of the president of the Victorian State Branch of the RSL Dr Rob Webster, Professor Marinis Pirpilis on behalf of the Greek Community, the president of the Greek RSL Branch Emmanuel Karvelas and the president of the Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation Steve (Anastasios) Kyritsis.
Alphington Grammar, St Johns College, Oakleigh Grammar and Pythagoras Greek School were among the schools in attendance.
The master of the ceremonies was Terry Kanellos OAM.
After the wreath laying at the Australian Hellenic Memorial and Shrine of Remembrance, all guests returned to the Hellenic RSL South Melbourne for a luncheon and speeches.
During the lunch Karvelas honoured Neos Kosmos publisher Christopher Gogos with a plaque, thanking him for the long-standing support to the Hellenic RSL.