With a sense of historical debt permeating the atmosphere, Lemnos once again paid tribute to the fallen of the Gallipoli Campaign, hosting anniversary events that highlighted the island’s enduring bond with the ANZAC forces.
The events, which took place on Tuesday, April 29, and were entitled: “Day of Honour and Remembrance for the Fallen of the Gallipoli Campaign”, were co-organised by the North Aegean Region and the Municipality of Lemnos.
The official ceremony, which took place at the Moudros Commonwealth Cemetery under adverse weather conditions, with a lot of wind, was attended by the Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, honouring the strong historical ties between Australia and Lemnos.
The dignitaries were welcomed by the Prefect of the Regional Unit of Lemnos, Apostolos Koutsoyiannis.
The ceremony began with a memorial service, followed by the laying of wreaths and the playing of the national anthems, while the official guests then delivered brief greetings.
Those present had the opportunity to tour the photography exhibition of the Moudros Cultural Association “Pavlos Kountouriotis”, which was presented by Niki Photiadi.
The events continued at the Portianos Commonwealth Cemetery with another memorial service and the laying of wreaths, while they culminated at the Portianos Cultural Centre.
There, the president of the War Museum of Athens, Lieutenant General (retd) Konstantinos Karamesinis, delivered a speech on the topic “The Contribution of Lemnos to the Battle of Gallipoli”, highlighting the strategic role of the island in the First World War.
The commemoration events concluded with the screening of the documentary ANZAC DAY AND LEMNOS – 110 YEARS, which sheds light on the multifaceted connection of Lemnos with this historic campaign of the 20th century.
