The City of Athens commemorated the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation from Nazi forces with a series of solemn events, including the raising of the Liberation Flag at the Acropolis.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, along with representatives from the government, military, and religious leadership, attended the ceremony held at the Acropolis’ Sacred Rock. The symbolic flag-raising was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In his address, Mayor Doukas remarked, “Today, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Athens’ liberation from Nazi occupation. We honour all those who fought for democracy and freedom. Freedom is won through constant struggle and preserved by the vigilance of us all. Defending democracy is a continuous, unwavering commitment, built through actions, not words. We bow with respect to the memory of those who fought for liberty. With the hope that our homeland, the birthplace of democracy, will never again witness the resurgence of ideologies that brought bloodshed to the world—expressions and supporters of Nazism, fascism, and intolerance. It is an eternal challenge for all democracies to protect and uphold the supreme values of freedom and democracy.”
Members of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women, dressed in traditional national costumes, led the procession from the Ancient Temple to the flagpole, bearing the Liberation Flag. They were accompanied by students from the Ionian School. The flag was ceremonially handed over by the Lyceum members to the Presidential Guard, who performed the official flag-raising as the “Hymn to the Flag” was played. The military band concluded the ceremony with the national anthem, honouring the occasion with appropriate formality.
