On Sunday, September 28, the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne marked the 204th anniversary of the Battle of Tripolitsa with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic War Memorial.
This was the first time the event was held at the Memorial, a site dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of Greek Australians and their contributions to freedom.
The gathering stood in stark contrast to more formal commemorations – there were no high-ranking dignitaries present, no pollies, no pomp nor a grand church liturgy to kick off the event. Instead, it was a simple, quiet affair on a bright spring day.
Steve Kyritsis, President of the Australian Hellenic War Memorial, said hosting the wreath-laying at the Memorial made sense. “Their headquarters are in nearby North Melbourne. When they suggested hosting the event here, I said ‘of course’ because this monument exists for moments like these: to commemorate and honour those who served, with love for our country.”
The significance of the day was underscored by Martha Stamatopoulos, MC of the event representing the Pallaconian Brotherhood Youth. Despite being born in Australia, Martha spoke powerfully in Greek, her voice trembling with pride as she addressed the gathered crowd.
“We are here today to honour the heroes of the Battle of Tripolitsa, whose sacrifices paved the way for a free and proud Greece. Your presence here today inspires us, especially us young people, to better understand the importance of these events in shaping our country,” Martha said.
She continued, emphasising that the day wasn’t only about remembering history but about honouring the “spirit of dignity, courage, and selflessness; virtues that remind us of the heroes who broke the chains of tyranny and gave their lives for a new, free Greece.”
Argyro Pollakis, Vice President of the Pallaconian Brotherhood Youth told The Greek Herald it was important to remember the past. “It is very important for us to continue, as youth, to remember the history of our place. To keep it alive for generations to come.”
George Kotsirilos, President of the Panarcadian Association, also spoke passionately about the Battle of Tripolitsa. Reflecting on the decisive events of September 23, 1821, Kotsirilos reminded the audience of the tremendous legacy left by the Greek revolutionaries.
“The fall of Tripolitsa was not just a military victory. It was the moment when our ancestors, under the leadership of Theodoros Kolokotronis, struck a blow to Ottoman tyranny. This victory marked the beginning of the end of over four centuries of oppression. As we lay these wreaths today, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for the freedom we enjoy,” Kotsirilos said.
The wreath-laying ceremony saw 18 wreaths placed in memory of the fallen, each symbolising the respect and gratitude the community holds for those who fought for Greece’s independence.
Among those attending was Jim Kyriakoulis, Treasurer of the Panarcadian Federation of Melbourne and Victoria, who shared his personal connection to the event.
“I’ve been involved with the Panarcadians for three years now,” Kyriakoulis told The Greek Herald. “The Federation has been around since 1974, and we’re committed to preserving our heritage and culture. I learned about the Battle of Tripolitsa when I lived in Tripoli from the ages of two to seven, and it’s extraordinary to see how Melbourne continues to honour these pivotal moments of our history.”
For Kyriakoulis, the event held a deep personal meaning, as he had grown up with the stories of his ancestors: “I have a 7-year-old son who is already learning the importance of patriotism, and my uncle’s involvement inspired me to carry on this legacy.”
Speaking to the crowd, Kyriakoulis gave a thorough rundown on the historical event.
“Today, we remember the Battle of Tripolitsa, a turning point in the Greek War of Independence,” he said. “Led by Kolokotronis, the Greek forces successfully besieged Tripolitsa, striking a decisive blow against the Ottoman Empire. This victory was not only about military strategy but about unity, sacrifice, and the unwavering will of the Greek people for freedom.”
Kyriakoulis emphasised the importance of preserving the memory of these events for future generations, adding, “We must never forget the sacrifices made by our ancestors. They fought not only for Greece but for the values of freedom and justice that we must continue to uphold.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
