Thousands of people turned up today in the early hours of the morning at West Torrens Memorial Gardens in Adelaide, for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, which commemorates those who have served and died in the war for Australia and New Zealand.
The large crowd was touched to see Greece’s Presidential Guard in attendance and witnessed the Evzones who have arrived in Australia from Athens to pay their respects to the ANZACS.
With the Scottish Band playing behind them, the 11 Evzones marched along the road until they reached the Memorial Gardens and stood beside the Cross of Sacrifice monument, while official procedures for the 104th commemoration of ANZAC Day Dawn Service took place.
“We are very privileged to have with us today the Hellenic Guard from Greece. We have much in common with our Greek brothers in the pursuit of freedom and peace,” said RSL ANZAC officials.
Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Today is a day where the ANZACS who fought in the Battle of Greece and Crete are also remembered.
On the 6th of April 1941, the Battle in Greece was one of the first engagements of the Australian Army against the Nazis in World War II.
Many of the Anzacs of Greece and Crete (e.g. Anzac Constantine Aroney) had also fought in the first Anzac Campaign in Gallipoli a few decades’ years earlier and are rare “Dual Anzacs”.
The Evzones guarded the Cross of Sacrifice while memorial wreaths were placed over the steps of the monument, by officials who attended the service.
*All images by Nick Bourdaniotis Photography exclusive for Greek City Times (Copyright)
