As Greece prepares to celebrate one of the most historic days of its national calendar, Greeks around the world- from Sydney Australia, to New York USA and beyond- have also started their preparations for the anniversary of OXI day, 28 October 1940.
The Greek PM Alexis Tsipras will be visiting St Eystratio to take part in the commemorative events and wreath laying ceremony in honour of OXI Day at and also partake of the holy liturgy that will take place at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in the presence of Archbishop Ieronymos.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Panos Kammenos reminded the public of the readiness of the armed forces for the defence of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, in a message ahead of the OXI Day celebrations on October 28.
He said their stance is important “especially today when challenges to international law and treaties intensify, mainly from Turkey’s side,” he added.
Kammenos also hailed the armed forces’ contribution in assisting with the refugee issue “as required by the centuries-old traditions of our nation - assistance and hospitality.”
“The immortal ‘NO’ reminds us not only of the struggles facing the Greek nation over the centuries, but also the perpetual faith of the Greek people in defending the high values of freedom and democracy,” the minister added.
OXI Day commemorates the rejection by Greece of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on 28 October 1940, the Greek counterattack against the invading Italian forces at the mountains of Pindus during the Greco-Italian War, and the Greek Resistance during the Axis occupation.
