Nine Evzones- soldiers of the Presidential Guard- are set to land in Australia today, marking the anniversary of Anzac Day and the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. After obtaining special permission from the Greek government, the nine Evzones and their two lieutenants will visit Adelaide and Sydney to commemorate the serving soldiers of Greece and Crete, often known as the 'forgotten Anzacs."
There first stop is in Adelaide and as part of their visit, the members of the Presidential Guard, dressed in their official uniform, will pay their respects to the Anzacs who fought in Greece and Crete by marching to the National War Memorial on North Terrace, Adelaide and taking part in a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony there on Saturday 22 April.
During their stay in Adelaide, the Evzones will also visit the St George Orthodox Church for a Vespers and Divine Liturgy Service on St George's Day, and an Anzac Day memorial service. On Sunday the 23rd they will also attend the St George Paniyiri.
Other planned visits include St Basil's Homes (SA) where the leader of the Evzones will present a speech recounting the history of the Presidential Guard; the Ridleyton Homes for the Aged; and after changing into their official ceremonial dress, St George College where students will have an opportunity to meet with the Evzones and ask questions about their role in the military of Greece.
The Hellenic Presidential Guard members will be taking part in the pre-game flag-raising ceremony at Adelaide Oval for the AFL Power v Carlton game on Friday 21 April 2017 as part of the AFL Anzac Day round.
The Evzones will stay in Adelaide until 23rd of April and will then fly to Sydney to participate in ceremonies, marking Anzac Day and the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Crete. They will stay in Australia until Tuesday 3rd of May.
Greek City Times will be sharing the full official program of where you can catch the Evzones in Sydney, as soon as it has been released.
