Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, has released an official statement today to mark the 80th anniversary of OXI Day.
In the statement, Mr Morrison says he will “join with the people of Greece, and the Greek Australian community, to honour OXI Day as a beacon that lit our way to victory.”
OXI Day marks the moment when former military general and Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, said “OXI” (NO) to an ultimatum made by Italian Prime Minister, Benito Mussolini, an ally of Nazi leader Hitler.
“We have never forgotten the selflessness and courage of the Greek people in the face of a long night of brutal tyranny. An imperishable bond of friendship was forged in defence of liberty,” Mr Morrison said.
READ MORE: October 28, 1940: The day Greek people bravely said ‘OXI’ to the Italians.
The Prime Minister went on to acknowledge how OXI Day will be celebrated differently this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but added that “the spirit of our commemoration remains the same.”
“On 28 October, I will join in reflecting on that day 80 years ago with respect and admiration – for the tragic losses of war, and for the bright future born of that time.”
FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
