The Hellenic Armed Forces are in Australia for the 83rd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete and this past Thursday they visited the Greek Centre.
The high-ranking delegation was led by Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos GRC N, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, accompanied by Captain Pavlos Angelopoulos GRN N, Staff Officer of the Bilateral Relations Directorate of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, and Lieutenant Commander Stylianos Mitsiotis, Staff Officer of the Public Relations Directorate of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
Also accompanying was the Permanent Military Attaché of the Greek Embassy in Canberra, Colonel Ioannis Fasianos.
President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Bill Papastergiadis welcomed the visitors and explained the history of the GCM and its long-standing connections with the Cretan community.
In a media release recounting the visit, he said their presence “underscores the significance of this anniversary, not only for Cretans but also for the entire Greek diaspora, helping us ensure this anniversary continues to remain part of our collective memory and historical legacy.”
He added that May 1941 marks a historic moment for Crete, Greece, and the entire world.
“The indomitable spirit of the Cretans, their courage, and their unwavering faith in freedom have inspired and continue to inspire us.”
“The events surrounding the Battle of Crete allow us to honour the heroic spirit of the Greeks and the allied Australians and New Zealanders, and to also pay tribute to those who fought for our Freedom.
Our connection in war has remained one that has followed us in the decades after.”
Vice Admiral Sasiakos said in commemoration of the anniversary they will also visit Perth, Sydney and Canberra.
“Beyond the observances of this significant historic event, our presence here serves to reinforce the bonds between the Greek community and the Hellenic Armed Forces, as well as with the broader Greek diaspora,” he said.
President of the Coordinating Council of the Battle of Crete and the Rest of Greece Natasha Spanou and the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelaki shared the same sentiment as Papastergiadis about commemorating the Greek, Australian and New Zealand lives which were sacrificed and enhancing the already strong relations.
