GCM Schools celebrate Greek Independence Day with an emotional ceremony

With a simple, yet emotional ceremony, the Greek Language and Culture Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne celebrated the anniversary of 201 years since the start of Greece’s War of Independence at Bentleigh Secondary College.

Students of the GCM Schools, along with distinguished guests and members from the wider community commemorated the 25 March landmark with a wreath laying ceremony followed by speeches honouring the fallen heroes of Greece and others who fought for their freedom, a privilege so precious today.

“I have a great sense of pride for my heritage,” Harry Shardey, a Year 12 student of Bentleigh Secondary College said.

“The portion of my family that immigrated are a true example of what it means to be a migrant, their success in their fields and personal characteristics symbolise what it means to be an Australian and is a testament to their ability to adopt a new way of life,” he added.

“I asked pappou Papadopoulos what the 25th of March meant to him, and his response was this, the 25th of March signifies freedom. Freedom for all”.

Mr Dimitris Linardos addressed the esteemed guests and the school’s students on behalf of Greek Consul Mr Emmanouil Kakavelakis Greek who could not attend the event due to contracting COVID-19.

Deputy Councillor for Educational Affairs, Dr Georgia Nikolaidou; Bentleigh School Council President, Andrew Clarke and Chair of GCM’s Education Committee Dr Nick Dallas who were also in attendance enjoyed meaningful performances by the students in Greek.

The students planted olive trees that symbolise glory and peace, and formed a peace sign with white flowers before a shadow theatre show with the legendary Karagiozis.

Drawing on current affairs, Greek Community President, Bill Papastergiadis OAM said that “Being part of a multicultural country means we all have a strong connection to other nations by respecting their history and culture.”

“One hundred Greek Australians fought in World War I, 2500 Greek Australians fought in World War II and 17,00 Australians went to Greece to support an ally in World War II. A deep connection that is represented here today,” Mr Papastergiadis concluded.