Controversial paratrooper event marking 80 years since Nazi invasion of Crete cancelled

·

Outrage by Cretan politicians and ordinary citizens on the island of Crete, Greece, has led to the cancellation of a controversial event by a paratroopers association that was planning to “honour” the 80th anniversary of the Nazi invasion of Crete.

The so-called European Paratroopers Association announced on social media recently that it was planning an event in Chania sometime in May to pay their respects to “the bravery of the German paratroopers.”

“It has been exactly 80 years since the III Reich Elite Troops jumped and conquered the island of Crete. We will never forget their valor,” the event poster stated.

According to some media reports, a number of Greek people were also set to participate in the event as there are at least three on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Association.

With this in mind, the controversial event was brought to the attention of the Greek Parliament, with the Regional Governor of Crete and his Deputy pointing out “that no relevant permission was ever given by anyone for such as event,” which was to also include a tour of historical sites of the Battle of Crete.

“Only the posting of the relevant invitation on the internet is an insult to historical memory, democracy and freedom,” Deputy Regional Minister of Culture, Costas Fasoulakis, said.

The Regional Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, was one of many people outraged by the event.

With questions submitted to the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Interior, Culture and Citizen’s Protection, KINAL MP Vassilis Kegkeroglou also called on the government to not allow such an event that “not only blackens Greek history, but also insults the national memory of thousands of freedom fighters who fell in the battlefield and of all Cretans.”

Ultimately, the event was canceled on Tuesday night and the Association made a last effort to justify the unjustifiable, claiming in a statement that their purpose was to “promote camaraderie,” cretalive.gr reports.

“We are very sorry if someone was offended by this and respecting the feelings of the native Greeks, we will not celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete,” the Association wrote in a statement.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Ambassador Duncan spotlights Greece-Australia trade potential at HACCI NSW forum

Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, has delivered an address in Sydney outlining the trade between Australia and Greece.

Australia’s Ambassador to Greece meets with The Greek Herald’s Digital Editor in Sydney

Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, met with The Greek Herald’s Digital Editor, Andriana Simos, in Sydney on Friday, July 25.

Cypriot Australians gather in Sydney to honour victims of 1974 Turkish invasion

SEKA NSW held a heartfelt memorial and wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday, July 27, to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of

Cypriots in Canberra honour victims of 1974 Turkish invasion at Australian War Memorial

Canberra’s Cypriot community joined the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post ceremony to mark 51 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Estudiantina of Melbourne deliver sold-out tribute to rebetiko legends

Local Greek ensemble Estudiantina of Melbourne returned to Bird's Basement in Melbourne with 'Songs of the Soul.'

You May Also Like

Tunic of Alexander the Great discovered?

A group of archaeologists, led by Antonis Bartziokas may have uncovered the sacred “chiton,” or tunic, of Alexander the Great.

Ioannis Georgiadis: Greece’s first modern Olympics champion

Greece's first modern Olympics winner, Ioannis Georgiadis took part in the First Olympic Games of Athens in 1896, winning Greece's first ever gold medal.

Tony Popovic arrives in Greece for his next coaching challenge

Tony Popovic has touched down in Greece and says he is excited to start working with Bill Papas to rebuild the reputation of Xanthi FC.