The Evzones of the Hellenic Presidential Guard made a special stop at St Euphemia College in Bankstown, Sydney, as part ...

The Evzones of the Hellenic Presidential Guard made a special stop at St Euphemia College in Bankstown, Sydney, as part of their October 22-29 visit to Australia marking OXI Day. The school visit was one of several closed-to-the-public appearances, with the Guard also visiting All Saints Grammar and St Spyridon College during their week in Sydney. The Evzones arrived in Australia on October 22, kicking off a packed program that included a Guard of Honour at the Martin Place Cenotaph and the Hellenic Club Sydney's Centenary Gala Ball at the Hyatt Regency on October 24. The visit culminates in Canberra on OXI Day, October 28, with a reception at Australian Parliament House hosted by Speaker Milton Dick, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. Canberra landmarks will be illuminated in blue that evening to mark the occasion. OXI Day commemorates Greece's refusal, on October 28, 1940, to allow Axis forces to occupy strategic positions on Greek soil. Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected the Italian ultimatum, and Greece's subsequent stand on the Albanian front became the first Allied land victory against the Axis in Europe, 86 years ago today. The Hellenic Club Sydney, celebrating its centenary year, is hosting the Sydney leg with support from the NSW Government. #OXIDay #Evzones #GreekAustralia