Scott Morrison joins Greek community in honouring OXI Day anniversary

·

Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, has released an official statement today to mark the OXI Day anniversary.

In the statement, Mr Morrison speaks of the “magnificent Greek expression” of philotimo and how in 1941 this philotimo was “joined by the determination of Australian, New Zealand and British forces to stand with them on the side of right.”

Full Statement in English:

“On this day, the story of Greek pride, independence and courage echoes throughout the world. It is a story that should — must — be repeated and never be forgotten.

For us, and future generations, it tells of the rich rewards — of freedom and democracy — that flow from risking all for what is right.

On 28 October 1940, Greece stood in resolute defiance of the aggression of fascist Italy. As a nation, Greek strength lay not in numbers, but in conviction. The power of Greek opposition, rising from an ancient wellspring of honour, paved the eventual Allied path to victory.

Today, we reflect on the magnificent Greek expression, philotimo — love of honour. A word of profound and complex meaning, it embraces the virtues of decency, dignity, respect and honesty that shape a life lived well.

In it we find the inspiration for General Ioannis Metaxas’ answer ‘όχι!’ (no) to Benito Mussolini’s ultimatum in the dark early days of the Second World War.

And through philotimo, too, we are assured of the enduring strength of the friendship between Australia and Greece.

In 1941, Greek philotimo was joined by the determination of Australian, New Zealand and British forces to stand with them on the side of right.

Then, and today, Greece and Australia share a commitment to democracy, human dignity and the rule of law. This is the motivating power to withstand the forces of destruction and division. To live, in the spirit of philotimo, for something larger than oneself.

In memory of the tragedy of war, and in honour of the courage of personal sacrifice and the ideals of a common humanity, we reflect with gratitude on the hope ignited in Greece 81 years ago. Lest we forget.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Greek PM outlines new financial aid plan to kick-start the economy

Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a plan to kick-start the Greek economy with a 24 billion euro program aimed at recovering from the coronavirus lockdown.

$2 million boxing fight between George Kambosos Jr and Liam Wilson in the works

Plans for boxer George Kambosos Jr and Liam Wilson to fight in an all-Australian $2 million super fight are underway.

Look who’s cooking: Top five popular Greek Australian chefs

On International Chefs Day we celebrate remarkable chefs around the world and the many things they teach us about different cuisines.