Honour a loved one of Greek heritage on the National Monument to Migration

·

We all know the traditional story of Greek migration to Australia.

Young men and women left their families behind in Greece, boarded boats with only one suitcase containing the essentials, and headed towards Australia in the hope of having a better and brighter future.

Achieving this dream wasn’t always easy though as many Greek migrants struggled with the English language and faced persistent racism. But they still never gave up. Instead, they opened their own small businesses, integrated into society and contributed to building the foundations of Australia.

It’s this contribution which deserves to be recognised today, especially as these young men and women are now our own grandparents and parents, even aunties and uncles.

But how can you have a permanent record of your loved one’s achievements? Australia’s National Monument to Migration is the answer.

Shirley and Sozos Koutsogiannis at the Monument. Photo by Kaily Koutsogiannis.

Located at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney, the Monument is hard to miss.

It is a bronze-panelled wall that faces Sydney’s Darling Harbour and Pyrmont Bay, and features over 31,000 names of migrants who made Australia their home.

Currently, there are 1,632 migrants of Greek heritage on the Monument. Greece is number five of the top ten countries of origin listed.

One of these Greek names belongs to George Alfieris, who is the dad of the Kytherian Association of Australia’s past President, Emmanuel Alfieris.

Emmanuel Alfieris (left) with his dad George at the National Monument to Migration. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

During a ceremony where 1,281 new migrant names were unveiled in March this year, Mr Alfieris encouraged others to think about inscribing their own parents or grandparents’ name on the Monument.

“I think we need to reflect on the sacrifices that all those 31,000 names on that wall made to get us here. To come to a country where there’s peace and prosperity, and that has let us stand on their shoulders,” Mr Alfieris said.

“So I encourage all of you who don’t have your family names yet on the wall, please make the effort. Mark them for prosperity.”

Donor, Bill Drakopoulos, also said the Monument was a great way to recognise the hard work and contribution of Greek migrants to Australia.

People enjoy the Monument. Photo by Marinco Kojdanovski, Australian National Maritime Museum.

“We are part of a long chain of proud Greek migrants who have forged new lives in our new home. We remain proud to be Greek and proud to be Australian,” Mr Drakopoulos said.

“It is a great chance to honour those who came before us.”

To do this, the Museum requires a tax-deductible gift of $500 to etch the name of a loved one with Greek heritage on the Monument.

The Museum then requests a brief story about each person being honoured on the Monument for publication on its website. The Museum is amassing a selection of stories from these migrants; stories that, in turn, build the history of modern Australia.

Honour our Greek immigrants on Australia’s National Monument to Migration at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Register to be part of the next unveiling ceremony. To register please visit this website or call (02) 9298 3777.

READ MORE: ‘I did it straight away’: Why Bessie Dounis wanted her parents’ name on the National Monument to Migration.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Jury warned as George Alex’s $13 million tax fraud trial begins

Jurors in the George Alex trial have received a warning that any information found beyond the courts could have “disastrous” consequences.

Croatian suspects detained after deadly brawl between rival football fans in Greece

17 Croatian nationals were apprehended due to their alleged involvement in violent clashes between fans of AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb.

Dimitra Hatziadam: ‘What would Greece be without the familiar sound of the Evzones’ tsarouchi?’

A few weeks before her photography exhibition in Kastelorizo, which The Greek Herald is a media partner, Dimitra Hatziadam takes us inside world of Evzones.