The Hellenic Club of Western Australia hosted the Evzones at their premises in Perth for the final night of their inaugural visit to the state.
On Monday, November 7, the facade of the club was lit up in blue and white and the Greek flag flew overhead as the Evzones were received at the front steps by the Secretary of the Hellenic Association Club of WA, Socrates Bakaimis.
Mr Bakaimis welcomed the Evzones to the club and briefly explained the significance of the Hellenic Association Club being the first Pan-Hellenic organisation established in WA.
Greece’s Presidential Guard was then joined by 50 guests and the Club Committee for a souvla dinner to mark the historic visit.
Following a short welcome address from Mr Bakaimis, President Theo Sarris presented the Vice Admiral Efthymios Mikros and Warrant Officer Sofia Pavlidou each a copy of the Hellenic Club 100th Anniversary book “Enosis.”
The Vice Admiral then presented the Club with the gift of a metal shoe ring, worn under the shoes of the Evzones to magnify the sound of their footsteps.
“To say that the Greeks of Western Australia were excited for the first ever visit of the Presidential Guard of Greece is an understatement. Their procession and flag raising on St Georges Terrace in the CBD evoked strong senses of pride among us all. It is an honour and a privilege to have been witness to this historic event,” Mr Bakaimis told The Greek Herald after the event.
“The Hellenic Club of WA was proud to host the Presidential Guard for their final evening in Australia. The Presidential Guard carried themselves with dignity and while out of uniform interacted openly with all age ranges of our members.
“To learn about them as people and about their important work at a personal level was an unforgettable experience for many of us. The Presidential Guard make us proud to be Greek.
“We are honoured to have hosted them in our beautiful city and to have deepened the connection between Western Australia and Greece.”
READ MORE: WA Premier Mark McGowan holds morning tea to celebrate historic visit of the Evzones.
