Honouring Courage and Connection: 84th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign to be Commemorated in Sydney

Over 100,000 Australian men and women served in and through Greece during the 20th century, forming a powerful legacy of shared sacrifice and friendship between Australia and Greece. This enduring bond continues to inspire current and future generations.

Australians who served alongside the Greek people, as well as Greek Australians who have served or currently serve in Australia's Defence Forces, are seen as spiritual ancestors—symbols of courage, mateship, and mutual sacrifice. Their legacy reflects the highest expression of philotimo, a Greek virtue encapsulating honour, selflessness, and love for one’s fellow human beings.

This shared history enriches the Greek Australian community’s narrative, providing a deeper understanding of what it means to be Australian while maintaining a strong connection to Greek heritage. While food, music, and celebration have long contributed to multicultural identity, the stories of heroism and sacrifice offer a profound foundation for defining what it means to be a Greek Australian.

To honour this legacy, the Greek Australian community and the wider public are invited to attend the 84th Anniversary Commemorations of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign, a significant chapter in Australia’s wartime history. The events will include:

Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025
Time: 1:45 PM for a 2:00 PM sharp start
Location: The Cenotaph, Martin Place, Sydney

This longstanding annual commemoration, now in its 49th year, is one of Sydney's premier Greek Australian memorial events. Distinguished attendees will include Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, along with representatives from the NSW and Federal Parliaments, diplomatic corps, Australian and Greek armed forces, Greek Australian community organisations, Anzac descendants, and local schools.

A high-level Greek military delegation, led by Vice Admiral Theodoros Mikropoulos HN, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, will be present, alongside Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Chris Smith AM, CSM, RAN.

Church Services

• Sunday, 18 May 2025 – 11:15 AM
  Holy Trinity Garrison Church, Millers Point
• Sunday, 25 May 2025 – 9:30 AM
  Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Church, Cleveland & Regent Streets, Redfern

These services provide an opportunity for reflection, unity, and the continuation of a shared legacy between Greece and Australia.

The Greek Australian community encourages all families to attend and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed, ensuring their memory and values continue to guide future generations.

Evzones March to  Anzac Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park with Greek Flags Flying High in 2025