The Greek city of Kalamata marked the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Kalamata with a memorial service at the Monument for the Fallen Allies this week.
The event drew a wide range of attendees, including diplomatic, political, community, and veteran representatives such as the Australian Ambassador to Greece Alison Duncan, renowned historian Jim Claven OAM, and Greek Community of Melbourne Board Member Vicki Kyritsis.
Local officials, including Mayor of Kalamata Athanasios Vasilopoulos and MP Perikles Mantas, also took part in the ceremony.
Wreaths were laid in honour of those who fell during the historic battle. Peter Andrinopoulos from Melbourne, Australia attended and laid a wreath on behalf of the Society of Kalamata ‘23 March.’
The ceremony also featured a number of speeches recognising ongoing historical work related to the Greek campaign, including efforts to preserve the memory of the Mani evacuations and the Battle of Kalamata through plaques, documentaries, and research.
