The Australian Embassy in Athens has marked ANZAC Day with a solemn ceremony honouring those who served and died in defence of Greece during the Second World War.
Held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Athens, the service brought together diplomats, military officials, veterans and members of the Australian, New Zealand and Greek communities in a shared act of remembrance.
The cemetery is the final resting place for hundreds of servicemen, including 584 Australians and 731 New Zealanders who lost their lives during the wartime campaign in Greece. Their sacrifice formed the central focus of the commemoration, with attendees paying tribute through wreath-laying and reflection.
Australia’s Ambassador to Greece hosted the ceremony, which was attended by a number of senior representatives from both countries. Among them were the Secretary General for International Economic Affairs, Dimitrios Skalkos, representing the Greek Government, and the Chief of Staff of the Hellenic Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Konstantinos Bouzos. Also present were representatives of the President of the Hellenic Republic, foreign diplomats, and the New Zealand Honorary Consul in Greece.
The service drew strong participation from veterans’ groups and commemorative organisations, including the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee, alongside members of the Greek Australian and Greek New Zealand communities. Their presence reflected the enduring historical and cultural ties forged during the war.
The ceremony also featured contributions from the Hellenic Armed Forces Guard and Band, while students from local schools in Athens took part, reinforcing the importance of remembrance across generations.
As the service concluded, attendees were reminded of the lasting significance of ANZAC Day, not only as a moment to honour the fallen, but as a testament to the shared history between Greece, Australia and New Zealand.
“Lest we forget,” the Embassy said in its closing message.
