The commemoration in 2016 , of the 75th Anniversary for the second Anzac Campaign, the Battles of Greece and Crete has been identified by the Australian Government as one of the Significant Anniversaries to be commemorated during the Anzac Centenary period 2014-2018.
The wreath laying ceremony commemorating 75th Anniversary for the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign will be on at 2pm Sat 16 April 2016 at The Cenotaph Martin Place Sydney.
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales will attend this ceremony and lay the first wreath. In addition the Guest of Honour will be Lieutenant General Konstantinos GKATZOGIANNIS, Chief of Staff of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
There will also be in attendance nearly 100 wreath layers consisting of official representatives of the NSW and Australian Parliaments , Consulates General, Australian military officers and Anzac families and schools. In particular surviving Anzacs of the Anzac Centenary that served in Greece and Crete will also be present. A Catafalque Party and Military band will officiate the proceedings.
Because of the significance of the anniversary seven members of the Greek Presidential Guard will be coming from Greece to participate at the Cenotaph Commemorative wreath laying service. This is a high honour to commemorate the Anzacs of Greece and Crete.
The Presidential Guard is an elite ceremonial unit that guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Presidential Mansion and the gate of Evzones camp in Athens.
The unit is famous around the world for its unique traditional uniform, which has evolved from the clothes worn by the klephts who fought the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The most visible item of this uniform is the fustanella, a kilt-like garment. Their proven valour and peculiar dress turned them into a popular image for the Greek soldier.
As the wreath laying service is a public event and in order to encourage public participation of this significant Anzac Centenary anniversary we respectfully request you to advise your family and friends of this commemorative event.
You are all welcome to visit the Photographic Exhibition Commemorating the Anzacs of the Battle of Crete and the Greek campaign located on George Street just around the corner and south of Martin Place .
This exhibition has been installed by Transport for NSW.
PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT:
