Cleaning works are being carried out at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, ahead of Greek Independence Day on March 25.
This mission has been undertaken by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, specifically the Directorate of Conservation of Ancient and Modern Monuments.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Μνημείο του Αγνώστου Στρατιώτη) is a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens.
It was unveiled on 25 March 1932 by then Prime Minister Andreas Michalakopoulos, with the participation of many foreign delegations.
The Tomb is a large-scale Π-shaped retaining wall of limestone. A sculpture which represents a dead warrior lying on the ground, is at the centre of the wall.
To the left and right of the sculpture are phrases from the works of Thucydides. To the left, "ΜΙΑ ΚΛΙΝΗ ΚΕΝΗ ΦΕΡΕΤΑΙ ΕΣΤΡΩΜΕΝΗ ΤΩΝ ΑΦΑΝΩΝ" ("There's one empty bier made up for the unidentified [fallen] ones") to the right, "ΑΝΔΡΩΝ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΩΝ ΠΑΣΑ ΓΗ ΤΑΦΟΣ" ("The whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men").
Over the main sculpture in smaller writing, one reads "ΕΙΣ ΑΦΑΝΗ ΣΤΡΑΤΙΩΤΗ" ("To an unknown soldier").
The tomb is guarded by the Greek Presidential Guard.
Greek Independence military parade will only occur in Athens
Parades to commemorate 200 years since the Greek Revolution on March 25. will only be held in Athens.
The customary student parade has also been canceled due to public health concerns.
The military parade will be broadcasted on television.
*More on GCT: Photos of the heroes of the 1821 Revolution adorn major street in Athens
