On this day: Photo of Evzone was featured in LIFE Magazine

·

By Billy Patramanis

On December 16th, 1940, at the height of the Greco-Italian War, Life Magazine placed an Evzone on the front cover, with a backdrop of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

At the time, Life Magazine was one of the most influential American photography publications since its inception in 1936, right up until its final publication in 2000.

By 1940 however, Life was well and truly an established American magazine due to its innovative ways to tell a story through photos, instead of text.

At the time of the photo, Mussolini demanded that Greece give in to Fascist Italy. 

However, as what is known today as ‘Oxi Day’, Greece refused to give in to the Axis Power, and so on October 28th, 1940, Italy and Greece began their war. 

Greco-Italian War. Source: metaxas-project.com

By December 1940, the Greek soldiers defended their nation bravely, forcing the Italians in a retreat back to Albania. 

The Greeks were an inspiration to all countries fighting the Axis Power, their brave fight in resisting the Axis gave fighting nations the confidence to fight back, Greece truly started the push against the Axis powers. 

Greco-Italian War. Source: metaxas-project.com

At this time, Life Magazine saw the perfect opportunity to display the Greeks on their famous publication. 

This is because America hadn’t entered the war yet, believing it to be a pointless European conflict with no end in sight.

However, the Greek resistance was the first piece of heroism that the Americans heard about. Americans saw the bravery of the Greeks and recognised that the fight against both fascism and Nazism could be won.

They believed that placing a Greek soldier on the cover, they could pay homage to the brave Greek soldiers that turned the tide for the war at the time, by displaying Greece’s most famous and powerful soldier, the Evzone.

The photo has since become an iconic symbol for Greece and its people. 

The Evzone on the cover both symbolises the right for freedom the Greeks fought so bravely for, but also pays respect to the brave Greek soldiers that helped win the battle, and turn the tide for WWII.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Melbourne stage comes alive with innovative theatrical tribute ‘Alexander’s Journey’

An audience that filled every seat at the Clocktower Centre on 29 June was treated to Alexander’s Journey.

New Committee elected as NUGAS Victoria charts vision for youth and culture in 2025–26

On 26 May the Victorian branch of the National Union of Greek Australian Students held its Annual General Meeting to elect a new committee.

Gold Coast driver Alexander Vadeikis faces court over fatal street race

Gold Coast man Alexander James Vadeikis, 21, has faced court after being hit with upgraded charges over a deadly alleged street race.

Moray & Agnew named finalist in the Australian Law Awards

Moray & Agnew has been named as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards for three categories.

Professor Andreas Evdokiou steps down after a decade leading Cyprus Community of SA

Professor Andreas Evdokiou has stepped down from his role as President of the Cyprus Community of South Australia after ten years.

You May Also Like

Victoria Malliaras stranded in UK after inbound international flights to Adelaide cancelled

At 22 weeks pregnant, Victoria Malliaras fears she and her husband will become "homeless" if they can't return to South Australia this week.

Lesvos set to introduce fast-track visas for Turkish citizens

From April 1, Turkish citizens will be eligible for fast-track visas for travel to Lesvos, as revealed by Mytilini Mayor Panagiotis Taktikos.

On This Day: Independence fighter Ioannis (Brave) Kolokotronis died

Ioannis Kolokotronis was a warrior during the Greek war of Independence and served as a Greek politician and Prime Minister of Greece.