The enduring bond between Greece and the ANZAC nations was honoured in a series of commemorative ceremonies held across Australia and New Zealand, recognising the sacrifices of those who served in Greece during the Second World War.
The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, together with the Defence Attaché of the Embassy of Greece in Australia, Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, presented Commemorative Medals of the Hellenic Republic to Maria Robson and Cadet James Callen during a ceremony at the Embassy of Greece in Canberra on 6 March 2026.
The awards recognised the service of Ms Robson’s father and Mr Callen’s grandfather, both of whom participated in the ANZAC operations in Greece during WWII — a campaign that remains a defining chapter in the shared history of Greece, Australia and New Zealand.
In New Zealand, similar ceremonies were held to honour families whose relatives fought alongside Greek forces during the same campaign.
At the Air Force Museum in Christchurch on 26 February 2026, Colonel Kyriakakos presented a Commemorative Medal to Phillipa Redmond, recognising her father’s service in the ANZAC operations in Greece.
Two days later, on February 28, a further ceremony took place at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in Wellington, where Graeme Reeves received a Commemorative Medal in honour of his father’s contribution. The presentation was made in the presence of the Honorary Consul of Greece in New Zealand, Georgios Neonakis.
Each of the ceremonies served as a reminder of the deep historical ties forged during wartime, when Greek civilians and Allied soldiers stood side by side in the face of occupation and hardship.
Through these commemorations, Greece reaffirmed its enduring gratitude to those who fought on its soil, ensuring that the legacy of solidarity and sacrifice continues to be remembered by future generations.
As was echoed throughout the ceremonies, Greece does not forget those who stood by its side.
