Athens marked the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation on Sunday with a solemn flag-raising ceremony on the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis, attended by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas.
During his address, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas paid tribute to those who fought and sacrificed for democracy:
“Today, we honour all those who struggled and gave their lives for Democracy. Eighty-one years ago, the swastika was lowered from the Acropolis, and in its place, the Greek flag was raised again, a symbol of dignity, hope, and resistance. Eighty-one years later, the message of that day remains profoundly relevant.
At a time when fanaticism, hate speech, the devaluation of politics, and lack of transparency once again threaten our values, we have a duty to defend democracy and social cohesion.
The patriotism of the Resistance must today become the patriotism of social responsibility.”
Ceremony of remembrance
Six members of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women’s dance group, dressed in traditional costumes and carrying the Liberation Flag, approached the flagstaff, accompanied by students of the Ionios School.
The flag was handed to members of the Presidential Guard, who raised it — two Evzones and one Cretan in traditional attire — as the Flag Anthem was played, followed by the Greek National Anthem performed by the Hellenic Air Force Band.
Representing the government at the ceremony was Deputy Minister of the Interior Vassilis Spanakis, along with representatives of Greece’s political, state, military, and ecclesiastical leadership.
More photos below:
