A moving tribute to the enduring friendship between Greece and Australia unfolded on Saturday, May 3, as the elite Presidential Guard of Greece — the Evzones — took centre stage at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney.
The Evzones marched in ceremonial formation from Elizabeth Street, drawing hundreds of spectators waving Greek and Australian flags and capturing the moment in reverence and pride.
The event, a highlight of the week’s commemorative activities, honoured the shared military heritage of both nations, particularly their joint efforts in the Greek and Cretan campaigns of World War II.
The crowd was a vibrant mix of generations. A number of young people dressed in traditional Greek costumes, adding a colourful and patriotic presence. Everyone observed the ceremonial proceedings and proudly joined in with singing the national anthems of Greece and Australia.
The ceremony included a wreath-laying by the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis. In his address, Mr Mallikourtis described the relationship between Greece and Australia as one “forged by being brothers in arms in two world wars, by sharing the common values of freedom and democracy.”
The audience also heard from the Commander of the Greek Presidential Guard, Michalis Tzinieris, Chair of the Joint Committee for the Commemoration of the Battle of Crete and The Greek Campaign, James Jordan, and St Spyridon parish priest Father Scoutas, each offering reflections on remembrance, sacrifice and the enduring cultural ties between Greece and Australia.
The Evzones’ presence — a powerful symbol of Hellenic pride — served as a reminder of the deep historical connection and shared values that continue to bind the Greek and Australian people.
