The Greek Presidential Guard visits Bondi for Dawn Service

08 May 2018

MEDIA RELEASE

24 April 2018

The Evzones, the soldiers of the Greek Presidential Guard will join the Australian ANZAC community for the Dawn Service at North Bondi.

Historically the Evzones were the elite, light infantry and mountain units of the Greek Army. Today, they form the Presidential Guard, a ceremonial unit that guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the President’s official residence in Athens.

They are known for their distinctive uniform, evolved from those worn by the klephts who fought the Ottoman occupation of Greece in fustanellas, a kilt-like garment.

Released by special permission of the President of Greece, The Evzones will take part in official ANZAC Day ceremonies including joining the Allied Forces for the ANZAC Day March, celebrating the role of the soldiers of Greece and Crete, often known as the ‘forgotten ANZACs’.

The defence of Greece by the ANZACs and other Commonwealth forces is recognised by historians as one of the major contributions to the Second World War, significantly delaying the Nazis’ invasion of Russia.

The Evzones will be officially welcomed by Waverley Council, the Greek Consul General Mr Christos Karras and the Board of the Hellenic club at 2pm on Sunday 29 April at the forecourt of Bondi Pavilion.

The Lieutenant of the Greek Presidential Guard will then give a presentation on the history and the uniforms of the Guard in the Pavilion Theatre.

The Evzones will be present at the Dawn Service to be held at the memorial next to North Bondi RSL Club – 118-120 Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi at 6.00am.