On Remembrance Day yesterday, Greek Australians across the country paused at the 11th hour to pay respect to the thousands of men and women who have lost their lives in all wars and armed conflicts.
The day itself marks the moment on 11 November 1918, when the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare during WWI. In the four years of the war, more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas and more than 60,000 of them had died.
READ MORE: ‘We will remember them’: Australians pay respect to the fallen on Remembrance Day.
Here’s how the memory of these soldiers was honoured by Greek Australians:
St Euphemia College:
High school and primary students marked Remembrance Day at St Euphemia College yesterday with one minute of silence at 11am.
Primary students then participated in a number of art activities, including drawing and painting poppies.
A wreath was also laid during a small memorial service conducted by Father Panagiotis.
All Saints Grammar School:
Primary and secondary students at All Saints Grammar School paid tribute to those who have given their life for our freedom with a wreath laying ceremony and one minute of silence at 11am.
Oakleigh Grammar School:
A small number of students from Oakleigh Grammar School, accompanied by school principal Mark Robertson, held a remembrance ceremony on the school grounds yesterday.
The Ode of Remembrance was read, followed by a minute of silence and the laying of a wreath.
Australian War Memorial in Canberra:
High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, Martha Mavrommatis, laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial on behalf of the people of Cyprus. The High Commissioner was greeted by the New Director of the Australian War Memorial, Matt Anderson PMS.
At exactly 11 am, Mrs Mavrommatis observed a minute of silence in memory of all those who fought for our freedom.
Fronditha Care:
Elderly from Fronditha Care’s ‘Thalpori’ residence in St Albans painted poppies and held a commemorative ceremony outside the facility, in front the half-mast flags, singing the Australian and Greek national anthems.
In Mayfield, Fronditha Care’s ‘Hippocrates’ residents held a respectful observance, with Beryl laying the remembrance wreath and Alexandros reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Greek.
