Year 9 students from the Greek Community School of Melbourne (City Campus) took part in the annual Battle of Crete commemorative ceremony held at the Shrine of Remembrance, paying tribute to those who fought and sacrificed their lives in the WWII battle.
Accompanied by their teacher Vicky Lampropoulou, the students laid a wreath in honour of those who defended the island of Crete against the Nazis in May 1941.
The ceremony marked the 83rd anniversary of the historic conflict.
In preparation for the event, students immersed themselves in a series of educational activities focused on the battle’s history and legacy. This included watching documentaries, examining materials from the War Museum in Athens, listening to traditional Cretan music, and hearing first-hand testimonies from the era.
“The Battle of Crete is a reminder of the indomitable Greek spirit — a historic milestone that continues to inspire students today and preserve memory for generations to come,” Lampropoulou said in a media release.
The Battle of Crete was the first large-scale airborne invasion in military history, and while German forces eventually took control of the island, the resistance of Greek, Australian, and New Zealand troops delayed the Axis advance — influencing the broader outcome of the war.
The school says the students’ participation in the event deepened their understanding of the past, while reinforcing cultural ties and shared values such as peace, solidarity, and international friendship.
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