Leaders of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand have issued commemorative messages marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, paying tribute to the sacrifice of ANZAC and Cretan fighters while urging younger generations to preserve the legacy of remembrance and shared history.
Full messages:
PRESIDENT OF THE CRETAN FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, EMMANUEL MOUNTAKIS
This year, we commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete. 85 years since the brave Australian, New Zealanders and other British and Commonwealth Forces, together with the defiant and brave people of Crete, faced the might of then undefeated German Army.
Together, the Allies and Cretans fought and dealt the invaders of Crete such a devastating blow, they never used airborne assault troops again. Their losses were horrendous and delayed their plans for the invasion of the Soviet Union.
The Battle was lost after 12 days but Crete’s Occupation lasted 4 years. Many Australian and New Zealanders were taken prisoner, others escaped to Egypt to fight elsewhere later on and some have laid in peace in the Cretan soil for the last 85 years.
The defiant Cretan people NEVER surrendered. They continued their resistance until the last occupying forces left the island. There was barely a village or family that was not impacted by the invasion and occupation. Cretans have carried this wound in their collective memories and have passed it onto the following generations, compelling us all to NEVER FORGET.
The fallen ANZAC heroes have become a symbol of bravery, commitment and sacrifice over these many years. They lay together in places like Phaleron and Souda Bay. Their blood spilt on Greek Soil never to be forgotten by a grateful Cretan people.
Cretan people around the world, will once again commemorate the Battle of Crete. From Hania to Heraklion, from Athens to Brussels and New York, from Chicago to San Francisco, from Montreal to Vancouver and from Wellington to Perth and Johannesburg, Cretans will honour the fallen at ceremonies marking the 85th Anniversary.
Here in Australia, we reflect on the recent loss of our last Battle of Crete Veteran, 103-yearold Mr Les Cook. A man who became a symbol and a living link between the Battle and our era and also between our “diggers’ and the Greek-Australian Community.
We now live in a world without any veterans left. It is now, more than ever, our responsibility and duty to remember and to commemorate this Battle and all that it stands for, wherever Cretans may be.
Lest We Forget.
YOUTH PRESIDENT OF THE CRETAN FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, ARI PARASKAKIS
Our Battle of Crete commemorations kick off this May, marking 85 years since one of the most important moments in our history. Over the coming weeks, Cretans from all over Australia will come together for commemorative services and community events to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and stood alongside the people of Crete. It’s an important opportunity for our community to reflect, reconnect, and ensure this legacy continues to be remembered and respected.
That connection doesn’t stop there. In July, many of us will have the opportunity to be in Crete for the World Cretan Convention in Chania, alongside a full week of activities bringing together Cretans from across the world. With visits to key historical sites like Souda Bay, local gatherings, and dedicated time for our community to connect, it’s shaping up to be something special.
*This message features in The Greek Herald’s and Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand’s Battle of Crete liftout in today’s Wednesday, May 20 newspaper.
