Crowds gathered in Perth, Western Australia today to witness Greece’s Presidential Guard march proudly down St Georges Terrace for the first time.
The contingent of twelve Evzones marched towards the Council House where they took part in a flag raising ceremony.
The flag raising ceremony took place in front of a number of officials and dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of Perth, Basil Zempilas; the Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou; and His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea; among many others.
The ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthems of Greece and Australia, before the flags were raised. Mr Zempilas and Ms Karasiotou also gave an address to the media.
“Today is a great indicator of how our two cultures and countries stand together so proudly, have marched together on many, many occasions and now are great friends,” Mr Zempilas said.
“Perth is the sister city with Kastellorizo and Rhodes in Greece and to see the Greek flag proudly flying alongside the Australian flag today is something very special for all of us here at Council House and at the City of Perth.”
The Consul General also said it was “a very proud day for all Greeks here in Australia.”
“Seeing the Evzones always give chills to any Greek around the world. It impresses anyone who sees them and it is a sight worth seeing for everybody,” Ms Karasiotou added.
After this flag raising ceremony, everybody moved inside Council House for a welcome reception held in honour of the Evzones and in the presence of Consuls from across the world.
Bishop Elpidios kicked off formal proceedings with a blessing and this was followed by speeches from Mr Zempilas, Ms Karasiotou and Vice Admiral Efthymios Mikros.
Evzones Captain Panagiotis Karkatzoulis – Kalamata gave a small presentation on the history of the Evzones and their uniform.
This flag raising ceremony and welcome reception is just one part of the Evzones’ inaugural visit to Perth.
On Sunday, they will take part in a wreath laying ceremony at the State War Memorial, Kings Park, which will also feature a change of guard and tribute to the Cenotaph at around 1.30pm.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Argyro Vourdoumpa.
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