Western Australia was treated to the impressive Evzones from the Greek Presidential Guard yesterday, as they marched down St Georges Terrace in the capital Perth, to a cheering crowd and a proud Greek community including the Greek Consul Mrs Georgia Karasiotou and the Lord Mayor Mr Basil Zempilas.
Image: Lod Mayor Basil Zempilas and Greek Consul Mrs Georgia Karasiotou (Facebook/Consulate of Greece, Perth)
Image: Facebook (Consulate of Greece in Perth)Image: Facebook (Consulate of Greece in Perth)Image: Facebook (Consulate of Greece in Perth)Image: Facebook (Consulate of Greece in Perth)
"One of my greatest honours and privileges to be able to welcome members of the Greek Presidential Guard to the City of Perth today. It is the first time the Presidential Guard has visited Western Australia and I was absolutely delighted to be able to share the historic moment with so many members of the Perth, Greek/Australian and Consular communities at Council House.
"The bond between Perth and Greece is incredibly strong - and visits like this one only further strengthen our ties.
"Thank you to the office of the Greek Consul in Perth, @wa police and the brilliant staff at the @cityofperth for coming together to make this historic occasion so memorable for so many." wrote the Lord Mayor of Perth Mr Basil Zempilas, a proud Greek Australian himself.
"It was a privilege to host morning tea for the Greek Presidential Guard this morning - to welcome them to our great State and celebrate the independent and courageous spirit of the Greek community." said Western Australian Premier Mr Mark McGowan.
The Greek Consul in Perth Mrs Georgia Karasiotou thanked the Premier of Western Australia and the Lord Mayor 'for embracing the visit and acknowledging this important occasion for Hellenism in Perth!'
"The day began with a morning tea in the Parliament House, in honour of the visiting unit of the Greek Presidential Guard, hosted by the Hon Mark McGowan MLA, Premier of Western Australia.
"At noon, St Georges Terrace shook under the powerful steps of the Evzones, who marched from the Consulate of Greece until the Council House, followed by a cheering and emotional crowd. Members of the Greek community in Perth attended with pride a flag raising ceremony that took place in front of the Council House. Basil Zempilas - Lord Mayor of Perth then welcomed the Presidential Guard with a lunchtime Reception.
"A warm thank you to the Premier and the Lord Mayor for embracing the visit and acknowledging this important occasion for Hellenism in Perth!
"The culmination of events in the presence of the Evzones is expected this Sunday, 6 November, with a Doxology for our National "OXI" Day at the Church of Evangelismos at 10.30, followed by a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Kings Park at 12.30.
Those interested can also register for the open Reception organised on Saturday evening, 5 November by the Hellenic Community of Western Australia Inc., in cooperation with the Greek Australian RSL, as well as for the diner by Floreat Athena on Sunday 6 November.