May 13th: Remembering the Lady of Ro

Today marks the anniversary of Despina Achladioti, the legendary Lady of Ro, who passed away in 1982.

Born around 1890 on the island of Kastellorizo, Achladioti was a symbol of unwavering Greek patriotism. Before the turmoil of World War II reached her doorstep, she and her husband, along with her blind mother, made a unique choice. They left Kastellorizo and settled on the nearby, uninhabited island of Ro. There, they carved out a simple life, raising a few goats and chickens, and tending a vegetable garden.

Her two companions died only years after their arrival, and Achladioti personally rowed her mother’s remains back to Kastellórizo for a burial.

A Symbol of Defiance: The Lady of Ro

Despina Achladioti, also known as the Lady of Ro, deserves comparison to legendary figures like Joan of Arc and Boudica. Her unwavering patriotism manifested in a daily act of defiance that stretched for four decades.

Imagine this: for 40 years, with the island of Kastellorizo ravaged by World War II and under Italian occupation, Achladioti stood strong on the nearby island of Ro. Each day, facing the Turkish coast in plain sight, she raised the Greek flag high. Rain or shine, this unwavering display of national pride became her most renowned deed.

This daily ritual wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it was a courageous act in the face of potential opposition. Achladioti's dedication to her homeland remained unfaltering until her passing on May 13, 1982, at the age of 92.

A Beacon of Patriotism: The Enduring Legacy of the Lady of Ro

Despina Achladioti, the Lady of Ro, wasn't just a woman raising a flag; she was a symbol of unwavering national pride. Her daily act of defiance transcended four decades, solidifying her place as a Greek national hero. This was especially true during the tense period in the 1970s when Greece nearly clashed with Turkey. The Greek flag she raised was a constant, visible reminder of Greek presence, just a stone's throw from Turkish soil. Yet, "Kira tis Ro" (Lady of Ro) never faltered. Every morning, her dedication to her homeland shone brightly as she raised the flag with unwavering pride.

Even in isolation, Achladioti's spirit remained unbroken. In her own words, spoken before she passed away, she recounted the hardships she endured: "I was alone in 1943 in Kastellorizo with my blind mother, when all the inhabitants of the island left for the Middle East and Cyprus. With the Greek flag raised and love for Greece deeply rooted in me, I passed all hardships."

The Lady of Ro's legacy lives on, a testament to the unwavering spirit of patriotism and the power of a single symbol.