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| Photo Jim Claven 2016 |
Today the Melbourne-based Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign Commemorative Council (BOCGCC) held its march and wreath laying service at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance and a Veteran's Luncheon at the Cretan Brotherhood in Brunswick.
The event at the Shrine was officiated by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove, and was attended by diplomatic representatives (Greece and New Zealand), government and opposition representatives (Victorian and Australians), veterans and veterans families, Anzac unit associations, Greek community schools, Greek community organisations (including the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria as well as those from Crete, Thessaloniki, Archadia, Macedonia, Messinian and Kalamata, Pontian and many others). This is the first time that so many Greek community associations have taken part in this great commemorative event.
It was a privilege to have in our presence three WW2 veterans - Les Manning and Norm Maddock, both veterans of the Greek and Crete campaigns - and Bill Rudd, a veteran of El Alamein, who as a POW spent time on the Peloponnese after his POW ship was torpedoed in the waters of Methone.
Congratulations to all at the BOCGCC, especially Mr Tony Tsourdalakis, Secretary.
Below are photos from the event at the Shrine (all photos by Jim Claven).
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| Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove and other dignitaries. |
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| Consul of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Christina Simantraki, Mr Bill Rudd and the representative of the Hellenic Armed Forces. |
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| Veteran Bill Rudd, with Mr Nick Georgopoulos (from Methone) and family. |
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| Alphington Grammar Students |
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| St John's College students |
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| Oakliegh Grammar students. |
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| Cretan community in traditional dress. |
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| Mr Irwin (BOCGCCC President), Mr Bill Rudd and Mr Paul Mavroudis, President of the Thessaloniki Association The White Tower |
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| Mr Bill Rudd interviewed by Channel 9. |
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| Tobruk veteran Gil Easton and Bill Rudd |
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| Veterans and veteran families at the Australian Hellenic Memorial, near the Shrine. |
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| Dignitaries and those in traditonla Cretan dress at the Australian Hellenic Memorial, near the Shrine. Mr Tony Tsourdalakis, (BOCGCCC Secretary) on right. |
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| Paul Sougleris (of Greek Anzacs), John Rerakis, Bill Rudd and Bruce Mildenhall (son of Tobruk veteran) |
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| Bill Rudd with the Hon John Pandazopoulos, presenting Bill with our new Greek Day commemorative pins. Thanks to Paul Sougleris. |
Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee
& Member, Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign Commemorative Council
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