Anzac Day Address - Alphington Grammar honors Sister Evelyn Hutt of Lemnos 1915 and Gunner James Zampelis of the Greek campaign 1941

Photo Alphington Grammar 2016

Today Alphington Grammar held its Anzac Day Assembly.
At the invitation of the Principal Dr Vivianne Nikou, I made a presentation on the Hellenic link to Anzac through the story of two Anzacs - Sister Evelyn Hutt who served on Lemnos in 1915 and Gunner James Zampelis who served and sadly died during the battle of Greece in 1941.

Photo Jim Claven 2016

Alphington Grammar is also hosting our Lemnos Gallipoli Photographic Exhibition, as well as another photographic exhibition on the Battle of Crete (which I have created and produced for the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign Commemorative Council).
A feature of the Assembly was the presence of our two visiting Hellenic Defence Forces representatives - Lieutenant General Konstantinos Gatzogiannis and Lieutenant Colonel Konstantinos Vasilopoulos.

Photo Jim Claven 2016

The assembly was honored by the attendance by representatives of two veterans families - Judith Gunnarson and Deb Stewart from the family of Sister Evelyn Hutt (who served on Lemnos in 1915); and Catherine and James Bell from the family of Private Syd Grant (who served on Greece and Crete in 1941).
I pointed out how both families have made available to the public the amazing unique photographic collections from the wartime service of their Anzac veterans. The Assembly acknowledged their presence and the service of their family members by acclamation.

Photo John Pandazopoulos 2016

The ceremony included an introduction by Dr Nikou, an address by Lieutenant General Konstantinos Gatzogiannis, various readings and performances by the students of Alphington Grammar.
The Assembly concluded with the reading of The Ode and the playing of the Last Post and the Revielle.
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee members in attendance were President Lee Tarlamis, Vice President Christina Despoteris, Member Ange Kenos and Member Arlene Bennett.

Ange Kenos showing LG Gatzogiannis our Lemnos Gallipoli Photographic Exhibition. Photo Jim Claven 2016

President of the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign Commemorative Council, Tony Tsordourlakis, and Michael Houdalakis, President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand. Former Minister, the Hon John Pandazopoulis, also attended.
To read more about the address, click here to go to the Alphington Grammar website report.
Congratulations to Alphington Grammar in hosting this commemorative event.
Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee
& Member, Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign Commemorative Council