Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed George Tsioulos, the Evzone whose tearful farewell during his final service with the Presidential Guard went viral on social media.
The emotional moment, captured by Tsioulos’ sister, touched thousands online and earned widespread admiration.
@helenatsioulou Τελευταία υπηρεσία σαν ΕΥΖΩΝΑΣ ! σε ευχαριστουμε ΓΙΩΡΓΟ ΜΑΣ, που μας εκανες τοσο μα τοσο υπερηφανους ! 🩵 #euzonesofgreece #evzonesofgreece #evzones #tsolias#presidentialguard @Tomb of the unknown soldier.
♬ To Vals Ton Hamenon Oniron – Hristos Zerbinos & Miltos Logiadis
In an Instagram post, Mitsotakis praised the 24-year-old, writing, “George’s tears on his last watch as an Evzone filled us with pride. This is the Greece we want.”
Tsioulos explained the deep significance of the moment, sharing that the sight of his family and friends during his last service moved him to tears. “It’s a unique feeling to wear this uniform that so many before me have worn and honored,” he said, reflecting on the honour of serving as part of Greece’s prestigious Presidential Guard.
During a TV interview, Tsioulos spoke about the selection process for becoming an Evzone, which requires candidates to meet strict criteria, including height and rank, as well as rigorous physical training. He also noted that some behaviour from tourists during his service was bothersome, but he didn’t elaborate further.
The viral video, shared by his sister on TikTok, received over 3,500 comments, many of them praising Tsioulos for his service. His sister had also shared previous videos of him participating in key events such as the March 25 parade and official ceremonies at the Presidential Palace.
@helenatsioulou ΠΕΡΗΦΑΝΗ και ΣΥΓΚΙΝΗΜΕΝΗ οσο δεν πάει , οχι μονο για τον αδερφό μου, αλλα και για όλα τα παιδιά ! #evzones#evzonesofgreece #tsolias#greece#euzones
@helenatsioulou Ειναι οι ΕΥΖΩΝΕΣ 🩵 #evzones#evzonesofgreece#ευζωνες#tsolias#presidentialguard
♬ original sound – tomboftheunknowsoldier – Tomb of the unknown soldier.
(Source: ProtoThema)