97-year-old Greek WWII veteran, Iakovos Tsounis, passes away

·

97-year-old Greek WWII veteran and shipowner, Iakovos Tsounis, passed away on Saturday.

The special and admirable Greek is a descendant of the heroes of the revolution of 1821. He himself fought at the age of 16 in the Greek-Italian War of 1940, thus being the youngest veteran of World War II.

The President of the Hellenic Republic issued a statement after the news of his passing.

”A national benefactor, a true patriot and philanthropist, Iakovos Tsounis, with his ethos and great contribution especially to the Armed Forces, leaves a great legacy in the country. His loss causes grief to all Greeks. We say goodbye to him with gratitude,” the Greek President stated.

The Greek veteran started as a customs broker in Piraeus. In 1966 he entered shipping as a shipowner, acquiring a total of 13 merchant ships and forming a large fortune. Tsounis also built a Museum, which is located next to his permanent residence on Kyprou Street, in Papagou.

Greek shipowner Iakovos Tsounis was presented with a ceremonial sword for his donation. Credit: Ministry of Defense

Tsounis received the Commemoration of the Star of Value and Honor in 2018 for his service and in April 2020, following the advice of Armed Forces and a proposal of the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, he was awarded the rank of reservist Major General.

In February 2021, Tsounis had donated 23 million euros and 60 landing craft to the Greek armed forces. Tsounis declared that he wanted to leave life as he began it — barefoot.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

How the US military base on Crete helped power the stealth bombing of Iran

A major part of the recent United States airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities unfolded quietly from Souda Bay military base on Crete.

Israel agrees to ceasefire after claiming to neutralise Iran threat

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran has officially come into effect, according to former US President Donald Trump.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch visits survivors of deadly church attack in Syria

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, John X, has visited the site of Sunday’s deadly bombing at the Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus.

Greek women make history at Brisbane Jazz Club

'Girl From Greece,' by singers Mel Lathouras and Katerini Manolatos, is the first Greek-led project to perform at the Brisbane Jazz Club.

Ersin Tatar compares Turkish Cypriots to Palestinians

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has drawn a controversial comparison between Cyprus and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

You May Also Like

Greek Australian mum, Toni Lontis, wins in prestigious entrepreneur awards for 2021

Greek Australian mum, Toni Lontis, has won in the 'Disabled Business Excellence' category of the AusMumpreneur Awards for 2021.

Theatre at Lycabettus Hill to reopen after 15 years

The renowned Lycabettus Hill theatre in Athens, Greece will be ready for use by August 30 this year in time for a festival.

Sydney’s Beta Events named among world’s most beautiful venues

Sydney bar, Beta Bar & Gallery, has been named one of the most beautiful and Instagrammable hotspots to visit in the world for a drink.