‘A precious legacy for all’: Greece marks OXI Day with military parades

·

People across Greece gathered in their cities and villages on Friday and over the weekend to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of Greece’s National Day (‘OXI’ Day).

In Thessaloniki on Friday, the customary military parade celebrating the anniversary of Greece’s entry into World War II took place.

As usual, the parade was attended by several officials including Greece’s President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and foreign dignitaries such as US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis.

The highlight of the parade was the passage of several airplanes, including newly-acquired French-built Rafale fighters. German-made “Marten 1” infantry fighting vehicles given to Greece in replacement of armoured units sent to Ukraine were also on display.

In a speech after the parade, Sakellaropoulou said: “The ‘No’ of October 28, 1940, to the fascist invasion and our people’s heroic resistance are one of the most glorious moments of our modern history, which we respectfully commemorated in today’s parade.”

“The spirit of national unity forged in the Albanian epic is a precious legacy for all of us.”

Elsewhere, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also attended a commemorative event in the north-western Greek city of Ioannina.

During his visit, Mitsotakis attended a memorial service, laid a wreath and lit a candle in honour of the 167 fallen soldiers whose remains are kept in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“Our own duty is to bequeath to the younger generation a stronger, more secure, more prosperous and more just fatherland,” the Prime Minister said during his speech. 

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

Football Victoria honours South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis

The new Football Victoria Chair Angela Williams paid tribute to former footballer and long-time South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis.

Greek Orthodox community in Liverpool raises $20,000 for McGrath Foundation

The spirit of faith, community and compassion was on full display at the “Splash of Pink” charity afternoon tea.

WWII-era rifle used in Croydon Park shooting sparks firearm law debate

A WWII-era M1 Carbine rifle has become the focus of investigations into the Croydon Park shooting. Read more here.

PASOK intensifies pressure for reopening of GNTO Office in Melbourne

Pressure on Greece's Ministry of Tourism to reopen the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Office in Melbourne is intensifying.

You May Also Like

Team Greece defeat France in Melbourne’s All Nations Cup

Team Greece have begun its defence of their All Nations Cup title with an emphatic three nil win over France.

Netanyahu considers ‘full conquest’ of Gaza as ceasefire talks reach an impasse

Israel is preparing to expand its military operations in Gaza, potentially targeting areas where hostages are believed to be held

One child dead, six refugees missing as boat capsizes near Samos island

One child has died and six people are still missing after a boat carrying 24 refugees from Turkey to Greece capsized near the island of Samos.