All you could hear echoing in certain streets of Sydney's CBD yesterday were the Presidential Guard Tsarouchia hitting the ground as they partook in the annual ANZAC Day parade.
April 25 is an important national day of remembrance for Australians, New Zealanders and Greeks, as they commemorate all those who served, suffered and died in the war.
The Presidential Guards' presence highlights the history of Anzacs who fought in the Battle of Greece and Crete. Many of these Anzacs also fought in the first ANZAC Campaign in Gallipoli a few decades earlier and are known as the ‘forgotten ANZACs'. The defence of Greece by the ANZACs and other Commonwealth forces is recognised by historians as one of the major contributions to the Second World War, significantly delaying the Nazis’ invasion of Russia.
The Presidential Guard marched through Pitt, Hunter and on to Elizabeth Street, with the Sydney community blown away by their presence, as they clapped, waved their Australian flag and cheered on the Evzones, giving their thanks and respect to the Greek Presidential Guard.
Everyone stood by admiring the Evzones uniforms and discipline as they marched for over an hour.
To see the impressively synchronised march of the Evzones in their traditional uniform, Cretan uniform, Pontian uniform and winter uniform, brought tears to many veterans and their families eyes, as they were proud to have participated in the same march as the Presidential Guard.
This unique relationship between Anzacs and Greeks shows the highest form of respect.
On Elizabeth Street, they stopped for a minute silence outside the ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park Sydney, to pay their respects to all the Australians who have served their country, before continuing on with the parade that led them outside the Consul General of Greece in Sydney’s building, which is a representation of the Greek Government in Australia, where they also paused before concluding the parade at Alpha Restaurant.
Don’t forget, you can also catch the Evzones at the Guard of Honour formation at Martin Place Cenotaph at 12pm on Friday April 27 and 1pm on Saturday April 28.
We would love to see you there showing your proud Hellenic spirit and waving your Greek flag as Sydneysiders pack Martin Place to catch a glimpse of the elite Greek Presidential Guard.
*All images by Nick Bourdaniotis Photography exclusive for Greek City Times (Copyright)
*The Hellenic Club Sydney are the chief organisers of the Presidential Guards visit.
