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

Serbia and Greece vow to boost military ties

Greece and Serbia have agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations to ensure stability and security in the broader region.

Much-loved Cypriot Australian Peter Yiannoudes passes away

The Cypriot Australian community mourns the loss of Peter Yiannoudes, a beloved figure with pivotal influence on the success of Greek cinema.

Greece says US elections will not affect ties with Washington

Greek PM Mitsotakis asserted that regardless of the outcome of the election, Greece and USA will continue to share a strategic relationship.

Greek fire in ‘The Belly of the Beast’ at St Kilda

‘The Vineyard’ in St Kilda (also known as ‘The Belly of the Beast’) has a long and rich ethnic-Australian heritage.

Jenny Souris Foundation Gala raises $100,000 to help young cancer fighter Jack

The Jenny Souris Foundation’s fundraising gala raised funds for four-year-old Jack, who is courageously battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma.

You May Also Like

Five of Greece’s largest museums shut down in protest against new law

Five of Greece's largest museums were shut down on Monday in protest against a new draft law passed to make the museums more autonomous.

100 years since the Treaty of Lausanne: A historical retrospective

To mark 100 years since the Treaty of Lausanne, two historians provide The Greek Herald and its readers with a historical retrospective.

Cyprus opens haunting new underwater sculpture park to attract diving tourists

The Museum of Underwater Sculpture of Ayia Napa (Musan) features a collection of 130 sculptures in a newly created Marine Protected Area.