A unit of the Greek Presidential Guard (evzones) raised the Greek flag on the Acropolis on Thursday morning marking the beginning of celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence.
A celebration that, due to the special circumstances imposed by the pandemic, may be limited, but not deprived of splendor.
The flag raising ceremony at the Acropolis was attended by the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou and the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The national anthem was sung by the internationally renowned soprano Anastasia Zanni.
Two hours earlier, 06:21, local time, 21 salute shots were fired from the Lycabettus’ cannon to mark the anniversary. The ceremony will be repeated two more times during the day.
Later in the morning, a Doxology will take place in the Diocese of Athens, presided over by the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Mr. Ieronymos II, in the presence of representatives of the state, political and military leadership of the country.
According to the program, at 09:20 a wreath will be laid at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier by the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou and the foreign leaders who have assembled in Athens.
The military parade
The festivities for the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence will culminate with the traditional military parade, which will begin at 10:00 am.
Due to the pandemic, the parade is off limits to the public.
According to the official schedule, fighter jets will fly over Athens. Hellenic Air Force will be joined by American F-16 formations, French Rafale, as well as British Voyager aircraft.
NH-90 and Kiowa Warrior helicopters will fly for the first time in the skies of Attica. They will be joined by an P-3B naval aircraft.
Other formations that will appear in the parade include: motorized units of the Army, Patriot and “Velos” anti-aircraft systems, a phalanx of infantry divisions of all three branches of the Armed Forces and motorized units from the police, coast guard and fire brigades.
The day will end at 18:41 with the lowering of the flag on Acropolis, while at the same time the last 21 salute shots will be fired from the Lycabettus cannon.
After the parade, PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis will meet at the Maximos Palace with Prince Charles.
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