Evzones marched in Athens > Elite soldiers of the Presidential Guard, or Evzones, marched through Athens yesterday to mark the anniversary of Greece’s War of Independence.

Celebrations included the customary show of strength by Greece’s armed forces, including an air show. President Karolos Papoulias hailed the "dedication to freedom and self-determination" of Greece’s resistance fighters, whose spirit, he said, was as relevant as ever in today’s "unstable geopolitical environment".

The dinner was also attended by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece,  government Ministers and local Municipal and prefectural authorities. Addressing the President, Mayor Nikas thanked him for honoring the event with his presence, stressing that Kalamata's liberation meant a lot for the liberation struggle, as Kalamata was the first city to rid itself of the Turkish yoke.

In his return address, President Papoulias said that the anniversary celebration "fills our hearts with strength and passion for the safeguarding and preservation of our freedom". In honoring all those heroes who fought for the national dignity and independence, one must draw from their sacrifices the necessary teachings to carry on, in these difficult times, on the steadfast national course, Papoulias added.

The President said that a catalytical factor in the 1821 Revolution was "the faith in the sacredness of the struggle, and the power of the passion inspired by the justness of that struggle". "It is our obligation to safeguard and make use of this precious heritage. It is our obligation to be prepared for sacrifices, individual and collective, to face the difficult circumstances today, and to prove that we are conscious of our country's great and historical responsibility to the future," President Papoulias concluded.

Earlier, President Papoulias had also attended a celebratory mass at the Athens Cathedral for the twin holidays of the Independence anniversary and the feast of the Annunciation of Virgin Mary, both celebrated on March 25, that was led by the Bishop of Fanar Agathonikos. Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronynos was unable to lead the mass following an accident that resulted in a broken ankle, for which he was being treated in hospital.

On his arrival at the Cathedral, the President was received by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas, Athens Prefect Dimitris Sgouros and Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis.

Prior to the start of the parade, President Papoulias deposited a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside Parliament and observed a minute's silence in honour of the freedom fighters of 1821, after which an mixed honour guard fired a volley of shots and cannons were fired from Lycabettus Hill.

The President then inspected an honour guard and greeted the political, state and military leadership before taking his place on the officials' stand to watch the parade, alongside the Prime Minister, the Parliament President, and other state officials.

  The Presidential Guard known as "Evzones" on parade, during the March 25 Independence Day anniversary parade.

The customary annual military parade was led as always by the wounded veterans of war, the 1974 commando troops that fought on Cyprus during the Turkish invasion, and the Greek Red Cross, followed by the units of the Army, Navy and Air Force, Greek Police, Fire Brigade and Coast Guard, while military and fire-fighting aircraft and helicopters flew overhead.

In statements after the end of the parade, President Papoulias said the anniversary was celebrating one of the most sensational moments in Greece's history, the decision of an unarmed and persecuted nation to rise up against an empire and create the modern Greek state. This same passion had fired Greeks during the Balkans wars and in their resistance to the forces of Fascism in 1940, and would continue to arm the people and the armed forces to repel any attempt against Greece's territorial integrity, he added.

"I am confident about the future of this nation. Of this people that have so many gifts and are ready to make any sacrifice in order to ensure freedom and national independence," he stressed.

Prime Minister Karamanlis, on his part, stressed that it was the struggles and sacrifices of heroes known and unknown, from 1821 until the present day, that had allowed Greece to become free, to modernise and develop and to earn its place on the international scene.

A major parade by school children, scouts and ground units of the Armed Forces was held in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Margaritis Tzimas representing the government.

The anniversary was also marked by Greek communities living abroad and in Cyprus, where Cyprus President Demetris Christofias congratulated Greece's leadership and the Greek people during an event at the Greek Embassy in Nicosia, stressing that the Greek war of independence had been "one of the great revolutions of the 19th century".

Greek Ambassador to Cyprus Dimitris Rallis, on his part, referred to the ongoing Turkish occupation on Cyprus itself, saying that this had to end, and once again reiterated Greece's steadfast support and assistance to the struggle being given by Greek-Cypriots to achieve this.

In a televised address to Greek-Cypriots, he praised the recent agreement between Christofias and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat but stressed that the Turkish side had to demonstrate a constructive attitude so that negotiations for a political solution might resume.

Greeks in Australia marked the anniversary with a mass at the Church of the Annunciation, the oldest Greek Orthodox church in Melbourne, and the laying of wreaths at the Shrine of Remembrance in the city. The President of the U.S. sector of the World Council of Hellenes of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Theodoros Spyropoulos, meanwhile, issued a message that highlighted the anniversary as the supreme symbol of the Greek Nation's struggle for National independence, as well as a timeless and enduring symbol for the entire world.

More pictures will follow tomorrow. Stay tuned!

The Greek Nation, today celebrates a dual feast, in respect of Greece's Independence Day, when the War for Independence was declared on 25th March 1821, seeking freedom and liberty from the then Ottoman empire, and a religious major Orthodox Christian feast, the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.

Parades, both student and military, were also held in all towns of Greece and Cyprus. Some photos from these parades follow.

Students parade in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 25th March.

Students parade in Athens, Greece, on 24th March.

Photos from today's military parade in Athens, Greece, follow in the next post.

  The anniversary of Independence Day (25 March 1821) is a National holiday in Greece, which falls on the same day as the religious Orthodox feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.

On this occasion, we would like to cordially extend our greetings to all the Greeks, in mainland Greece, in Cyprus and the Greek Diaspora all over this planet earth, our to send our sincerest wishes for a Happy National Day as well as a Happy Name Day [to all the Marias, Panagiotas, Evangelies, Evangelos, Panagiotis, just to name but a few, who celebrate their name day on this major Orthodox Christian feast].

Related Links > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_War_of_Independence

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annunciation

Dear Compatriots,

It is with great pleasure and emotion that I am communicating with you on this historical day [25 March 1821] of National rebirth that brings to our minds so many memories and which is full of meaningful messages to Greeks, all over the world.

187 years ago, our ancestors, deprived of any substantial material means and falling short in number, motivated by the dream of a free homeland, fought against not only a powerful enemy but also against the prevailing status quo, which was dominant in Europe of the 19th century. It was an unequal fight, and seemingly destined to fail; however they won. They won because they believed in what nobody could even conceive, sacrificing their lives in the battlegrounds, unwilling to compromise themselves with the idea of defeat, which would have resulted in the loss of the dream of freedom. They won giving to us a free Greece, which with many efforts, sacrifices and hard work has earned the respect and the appreciation of its partners amongst the Nations.

187 years after, the challenges that our country is facing are different but not less important, consisting in the preservation of its territorial integrity, the protection of its cultural legacy and the defense of its rights. The battles are fought on a daily basis, not on battlegrounds, but in various fora, and as Greeks we are expected to prove that we are worthy of the legacy that our ancestors left us. We should never forget that what they achieved was the result of unity and resolve in the final cause. Let us then proceed as of this day, guided by the very same elements, proving once more to the rest of the world that the greatness of nations is not computed and measured by digits, numbers and material means, but by the heart, the courage and the grit shown whenever circumstances are challenging and demanding. We owe this to our ancestors, and furthermore to our children and ourselves.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all health and prosperity, and I avail myself of this opportunity to extend to you my warmest patriotic greetings.

Theodoros P. Kassimis.

US President proclaims March 25 a day of celebration in America > US President George W. Bush issued a statement proclaiming March 25 as a “day of celebration of Greek and American democracy” in the USA.

March 25 is Greek Independence Day, a National holiday in Greece, and Bush said the day would help “commemorate the heritage of freedom our countries hold dear” and remember “the Greek Americans whose strong spirit, resolve and courage helped shape America.”

Proclamation by the US President > Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 2008

On Greek Independence Day, we recognize the important contributions Greek Americans have made to our national character, celebrate the deep friendship between our two countries, and honor the anniversary of the Greek call for independence.

The United States and Greece share a close relationship based on our common belief in the power of freedom. The ancient Athenians gave birth to the principles of democracy, and America's Founding Fathers were inspired by Greek ideals that honored and respected human dignity and rights. When the people of Greece claimed their independence in 1821, they had the strong support of the United States. Greek patriots risked their lives because they knew freedom and democracy were both their proud legacy and their ultimate destiny. Today, our nations remain allies in the cause of freedom and are working to lay the foundations of peace and spread the blessings of liberty around the world.

In celebrating Greek Independence Day, we commemorate the heritage of freedom our countries hold dear, and we remember the Greek Americans whose strong spirit, resolve, and courage helped shape America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2008, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Source: White House Press Office > http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080320-5.html