The Hellenic Presidential Guard (Evzones) offered a memorable visit to the residents of the Greek Community Home for the Aged in Sydney, honouring the elderly members of our community with their presence. A sub-section of the 14-person delegation visited the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s Earlwood facility on Wednesday afternoon, with over 100 residents and their family members in attendance to see them.
GOC NSW President Harry Danalis emphasised the significance of having the Evzones attend the Home, which cares for numerous elderly members of Sydney’s Hellenic community.
“I think it is an opportunity for our residents and their families to be able to see the Evzones firsthand,” Danalis told Neos Kosmos.
He noted the event as a productive means of both showing the Evzones to people who may not have seen them before as well as bringing an element of Greece to the residents
“A lot of them may have never seen them in Greece at the changing of the guard or at the other events they attend, so I think it is important to bring them here,” Danalis said.
“Our residents are all of Greek background, so I think this brings to them a little bit of the history of their country.”
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Lieutenant Ioannis Kontogiannis elaborated on the history of the Evzones (which goes back to December 1868), their training and their uniforms and the significance of them.
He stated that the purpose of the Evzones’ creation was to “provide a high level of military training to those distinguished for their bravery and military virtues, thus serving as a role model for the rest of the army”.
Kontogiannis highlighted that most of the Evzones are volunteers drawn from the Hellenic Army’s Infantry Corps through a painstaking process.
He added that they serve numerous roles like paying tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and standing at the entrance of the Presidential Mansion and at the gate of the barracks of the Presidential Guard.
“The Evzones’ uniform, with its long history, is an integral part of our national identity and is inextricably linked to modern Greek history,” he said, noting that it has been established as the official national dress since Greece fought for its independence against the Ottoman Empire.
He finished with a quote by poet Kostis Palamas, stating:
“The Presidential Guard proudly continues the national tradition of the Evzones, demonstrating the nation’s gratitude, paying tribute our fallen heroes and serving as a reminder that the greatness of nations is not measured by land but by the strength of their hearts and by their blood.”
After Kontogiannis’ speech, Danalis presented him and Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos with gifts as a small token of their appreciation for theirs and the Evzones’ visit.
The Evzones stood as the many attendees took photos with them.
The event, which was emceed GOC School Coordinator Vicki Tomaras, concluded with some light refreshments.
Photos below:
