Western Australia has joined communities across the world in marking Oxi Day, a national day of remembrance in Greece that honours the country’s refusal to surrender to fascist forces during World War II.
The annual event, held around 28 October, was commemorated this week with a service at the State War Memorial in King’s Park, coordinated by Government House Western Australia. The ceremony was attended by Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis-Michail Loverdos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia Stavros Venizelos, and His Excellency Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia.
The word “Oxi” means “No” in Greek. The gathering reflected on the events of 28 October 1940, at the height of World War II, when Italy was part of the Axis powers alongside Germany and Japan. In the early hours of that morning, the Italian ambassador to Greece, Emanuele Grazzi, arrived at the home of Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas in Athens. Acting on orders from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, he delivered an ultimatum demanding that Greece allow Axis troops to enter and occupy key military sites across the country.
The demand effectively meant surrender. Granting access would have placed Greece under foreign control without resistance. Metaxas refused, responding with a single word: “Oxi,” meaning “No.”
Within hours, Italian forces invaded Greece from neighbouring Albania, launching the Greco-Italian War. Against all expectations, Greece pushed the Italian army back into Albanian territory, marking the first Allied victory against the Axis in Europe. Greece’s defiance disrupted Mussolini’s campaign and forced Nazi Germany to intervene months later, delaying its planned invasion of the Soviet Union, a delay many historians believe influenced the outcome of the wider war.
In his address at the ceremony, Governor Dawson reflected on the significance of Greece’s resistance and the shared values that connect Greece and Australia.
“Those actions inspired perhaps our greatest generation into further acts of courage and sacrifice,” Governor Dawson said.
“Our leaders and forces of today, should they seek inspiration in uncertain times – those nations who still cherish freedom, liberty and democratic principles – should also look to what Greece did in 1940.
“On behalf of all Western Australians, I pay tribute to those brave Greek men and women, who fought together and alongside Australian forces.
“They put freedom before themselves. Many paid the supreme sacrifice – and helped us all maintain a free and democratic life.”
A Day That Shaped History
Greece’s resistance marked the beginning of the Greco-Italian War, and its unexpected victory over Italy forced Nazi Germany to intervene. Historians often note that the delay to the German invasion of the Soviet Union, caused by Greece’s defence, altered the course of the war.
Across Greece and the diaspora, Oxi Day continues to be commemorated with parades, school ceremonies and church services. For Greeks around the world, it represents courage in the face of impossible odds and the power of national unity.
The event hosted by Government House Western Australia served as a reminder of the strong bond between Greece and Australia, built on shared history, sacrifice and enduring respect.
Photos courtesy of Government House Western Australia
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.
