Greece commemorated the 81st anniversary of Athens’ liberation from German occupation with a ceremony held on the Acropolis, attended by President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine Tassoulas.
Six members of the Lykeion ton Ellinidon dance group, dressed in traditional costumes, carried the Liberation Flag alongside students from the Ionian School before handing it to the Presidential Guard, who hoisted it as the Air Force band performed the national anthem.
The government was represented by Deputy Interior Minister Vassilis Spanakis, joined by political, military, and church leaders.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas paid tribute to the city’s liberation, saying, “Today, we honour those who fought for democracy.”
He recalled that 81 years ago, the swastika was removed from the Acropolis and replaced by the Greek flag, a symbol of hope and resistance, adding that its message endures: “We must defend democracy and turn the patriotism of the Resistance into social responsibility.”
