The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council actively participated in this year’s events organised by various organisations and committees for ANZAC Day, paying tribute to the memory of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died during the First World War.
The ceremonies were conducted with respect and emotion, reflecting the deep bonds that have been forged between the Greek and Australian peoples.
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, dedicated to those who served and sacrificed their lives in military operations, particularly during the First World War and the Gallipoli campaign. On the island of Lemnos, where Australian soldiers who fought in Gallipoli are buried, the commemorations carry particular symbolism, honouring not only their sacrifice, but also highlighting Greece’s historical role as a bridge between nations.
Members of the Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council, representing organisations and communities that preserve the memory of the Battle of Crete, once again honoured the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who gave their lives for their homeland. Their presence at the events underlined the enduring ties developed between Greeks and Australians.
The commemorations began on Thursday, April 24 with a special memorial service held at the Heidelberg Repatriation Veterans’ Hospital. Tony Tsourdalakis represented the Council, laying a wreath at the memorial plaque in the hospital’s garden dedicated to the memory of Australian soldiers who participated in the Battle of Crete. The event was coordinated by Robert Winther, General Manager of the hospital, who has worked closely with the Council since its founding.
On Friday, April 25, ANZAC Day itself, Members of the Council attended Dawn Services held across various suburbs of Melbourne.
Council President Natasha Spanos and Secretary Anna Psaraki laid wreaths at the Oakleigh and Clayton RSL Sub-Branches respectively. Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne President Milton Stamatakos and Vice-President Kyriakos Cherekakis attended ceremonies at the Darebin and Camberwell RSL Sub-Branches respectively.
Treasurer Mary Rissakis and Assistant Treasurer Maria Maniou of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne participated in services at the Ringwood and Boronia RSL Sub-Branches. Mr Tsourdalakis, President of the Intercommunities Council of Victoria, attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Epping RSL, while Panagiotis Andrinopoulos, Secretary of the Australian Hellenic Memorial, attended the Mount Waverley RSL service.
Peter Ford was present at the Caulfield RSL ceremony, and Shirley Devery was at the Coburg RSL. Finally, with particular emotion, the President of the Greek Returned Servicemen’s League, Nikolaos Makridis, represented the Council by laying a wreath at the Shepparton RSL service.
The highlight of the commemorations was participation in the grand ANZAC Day Parade in the city of Melbourne. Ms Spanos officially represented the Council, marching with a six-student delegation from Oakleigh Grammar. They marched with the 2/2 Field Regiment Association.
The Council’s participation in the ANZAC Day ceremonies was not merely symbolic; it was an active reminder of shared history and the responsibility to uphold peace and international cooperation.
The speeches delivered, the wreaths laid, and the moving presence of descendants of the veterans proved that the sacrifice of these individuals remains alive in collective memory.
In her ANZAC Day message, Ms Spanos emphasised: “These events are a powerful link in maintaining historical consciousness and the friendship between Greece and Australia—a friendship forged on the battlefield and one that has endured through time, inspiring younger generations.”
“It is important to recognise that the ideals which represent us as a people are not achieved without sacrifice and hard struggle. Let us emulate the example of the heroes who sacrificed themselves for humanity and never allow anyone to diminish the honour of our two homelands, Greece and Australia. Eternal be their memory!” she added.
