On 28 October, Greeks around the world commemorate OXI Day and the Greek fighting spirit.
When we look at the rich history of Greece from ancient times, to refusing to bow down to fascism and oppression, there is always something as individuals and and a community that we can take away and take with us into the future.
As one of Greece’s monumental days approaches, the NUGAS committee shares some of their thoughts with Neos Kosmos about how we can move forward as we learn from our past.
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Maria Psomadelli
It is a known fact that history repeats itself. Through their knowledge of the past, people understand the present and do not repeat the same mistakes in the future. Understanding a society often requires that there Is knowledge of all aspects of its history, even the darkest ones.
Throughout history, people develop a national consciousness as they understand what their ancestors had offered and that always aims at the best possible for the society either economically or socially and politically. People get to know different cultures with the result that they exercise their ability of judgement and come to their own conclusions, without wearing blinkers.
It is our responsibility to be well educated, not only about the 28th of October and the importance of the ‘OXI’ day, but also to make up our own conclusions and deeply understand how all those important people contributed to who we are today.
OXI day reminds us that united as a nation we can achieve anything. The determination of our ancestors to fight for our freedom is the reason why many of us are here today and reminds people that everything is achievable once we are determined to do it.
A glorious past, itself, is not enough to create a better future and protect a country and its people, if Greeks are not dedicated and united. Therefore, it is absolutely important to emphasise on unity and similar goals.
Both in Australia and in Greece, those who stay and fight together and are united in the same goals will always find success and victory. It is exactly where it led us back in 1940 and where it will always take us. 28 October is one of the most important dates of our Greek history and it will always be significant for our future, as a nation, as a community and as a union.
Paige Christodoulou
As we commemorate OXI Day, the Greek community is reminded of the strength and bravery of Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas and the people of Greece on the 28th of October 1940. The historic day honours the decision of Metaxas to refuse the request of Benito Mussolini, the Prime Minister of Italy, to allow his army free passage through the border of Greece.
For current and future generations, I believe this day represents honour and pride of Greek culture and its people in standing up for our freedom. In addition, OXI Day will continually encourage the Greek community to be resilient and strong-minded, as were their ancestors 80 years ago. Such bravery shown by Greece and their allies against Mussolini should further influence the community to be a united front as their army was.
As I review this significant day, I cannot help but acknowledge the bravery and independence of my grandparents, John and Pota Pantazopoulos and Maria and Kyriakos Christodoulou as they set on their journey to the unknown that is Australia. The life lessons learnt from these four role models has taught me to be courageous, as they and their relatives were, and to ensure I instil this prophecy on to future generations.
In an alternative view, the decision made on the 28 October has taught society a valuable lesson, where people should be encouraged to be independent, be it as a nation or as an individual. Through this, future generations have been given the opportunity to think for themselves, and not be yet another follower in a corrupted scheme.
As I write this statement, I cannot help but admire the great words of Winston Churchill, “we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks”. Ultimately, it is our duty as Greek descendants to inspire future generations through our teachings and actions to further instill the courage of our ancestors.
