The heart of the Greek capital was awash in national pride as thousands gathered to witness the grand military parade commemorating the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence.
Held annually on March 25, the event honors the historic struggle of 1821, when Greece began its fight against Ottoman rule, ultimately securing independence.
The parade, which took place along Syntagma Square in front of the Hellenic Parliament, showcased Greece’s military prowess and rich cultural heritage. Elite units from the Greek Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, marched in perfect formation, while a fleet of military vehicles and aircraft performed synchronized maneuvers overhead.
The iconic Evzones, the Presidential Guard, drew applause with their traditional slow-marching performance in full ceremonial attire.
Newly elected President Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and high-ranking officials attended the event, emphasizing the significance of national unity and remembrance. Foreign dignitaries and diplomats were also present, underscoring Greece’s enduring international alliances.
The day started with a special ceremony at Athens Metropolitan Cathedral. Cannon shots were also fired from Lycabettus Hill and fighter jets were conducting flights over the Acropolis to mark the occasion.
The day’s commemorations will conclude with the official flag-lowering ceremony at the Acropolis at 6:41 p.m., once again accompanied by 21 ceremonial gun salutes from the Lycabettus Hill battery.
On Monday, schoolchildren in Athens schools have taken part in the annual parade on Syntagma Square.
Leading the parade, which passed by the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, were students from the general high school in Kalavryta, the Peloponnesian town where the revolutionary flag was raised in 1821.
By overcoming what divides Greeks and investing in what unites them, Greeks will manage to forge a better future, as the Greek people hope for, President Tassoulas said on Monday, in his message for the anniversary.
The Greek president called on Greeks to recall the long journey the country experienced before claiming the unsurpassable good of national, social, political, and personal freedom, and to feel proud both for the grandeur of national awakening but also for the ability to overcome failures, to show resilience, unanimity, and faith.
At the same time, Tassoulas noted that the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution in 2021 was not simply a ritual commemoration of a historical event, or a time of national exhilaration that is exhausted in celebration – it was mainly an opportunity for reflection and contemplation.
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