On this day: In 1868, the Greek Presidential Guard was established

·

By Victoria Loutas

The Presidential Guard is a ceremonial infantry unit that guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential mansion in Athens, Greece. The Presidential Guard, also known as the Evzones, was established on this day in 1868 and has proudly withheld the test of time.

In 1868, a combatant and ceremonial elite unit of the Hellenic Army was established, which aimed to provide high level military training to soldiers that have demonstrated bravery and military virtue. These selected soldiers were intended to act as a role model to the remainder of the Hellenic Army. 

The first Presidential Guard was established by Royal Decree as an independent battalion-sized unit, called the Agema. This unit consisted of staff, two evzone infantry companies and one cavalry company. 

Photo: Charter World

Under the reign of King George I (from 1863 to 1913), the structure and composition of the presidential guard remained unaltered. However, his successor, King Constantine, who ruled from (1913-1917, 1920-1922), made several changes to the guard. Under his Royal Decree, it was changed to a ‘Palace Guard’ and consisted of just two platoons, one of Evzones, and one of Cretans. Later in 1916, due to National Schism, this structure was abolished. 

Afterwards, the guard returned to its original format and remained a consistent institution while Greece underwent hardship and havoc, particularly during the 1941 Battle of Greece.

Today, the Presidential Guard is purely a ceremonial unit, representing the rich political and national history which Greece possesses. The unit has the responsibility of providing permanent ceremonial guard detachments of two Evzones, each for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the entrance to the Presidential Mansion. 

The guards on duty do a ceremonial performance every hour, on the hour, which consist of small movements in a slow and civilised manner. While guarding, the soldiers have to remain completely still.

The Greek Presidential Guard is highly regarded and represents the social and cultural pillars of Greece.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Full house, festive feast and Federal leader Albanese: Kazzies in Victoria celebrate 100 years

There was a flurry at the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria (KAV) on Sunday, August 31 as it celebrated a century of Kazzies in Victoria.

Cyprus Food and Wine Festival brings flavours of the homeland to Darwin

The Cyprus Food and Wine Festival transformed the Cyprus Community Hall in Darwin into a vibrant hub of culture, music, and cuisine.

The Imvrians of Sydney honour Panagia Imvriotissa with splendour

The Imvrian Benevolent Society of Sydney & New South Wales honoured and celebrated Panagia Imvriotissa on Sunday.

Queensland developer Con Bassili faces fresh wave of company collapses

Queensland developer Con Bassili is again under financial pressure, with multiple companies tied to him now in administration or liquidation.

Jon Adgemis insolvency vote delayed amid regulator concerns

A crucial vote on Jon Adgemis’s proposed personal insolvency agreement has been rescheduled to October 9, 2025.

You May Also Like

‘Bid for the Benaki’: Greek Museum launches online art auction

The popular Benaki Museum kicked off its online art auction yesterday, with a number of priceless artworks up for bidding.

Adelaide Hills Council faces criticism as legal fees soar to $327,000

Adelaide Hills Council’s legal fees increased by $80,047 over the past 12 months as it established the new expenditure of $327,710.

Ecumenical Patriarch bestowed the Gold Cross of St Andrew on Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister

Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister, Andreas Katsaniotis, has been awarded the Cross of St Andrew by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.