Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Inc: Armistice Events on Lemnos and more - Message from our Vice-President Ms Christina Despoteris

Lemnos took centre stage, as the events celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the end on the First World War and the signing of the Armistice of Moudros were held on this beautiful island in the Aegean.
The events covered the historical significance of the day - various speakers elaborated on the events leading up to the signing of the Armistice and there were exhibitions depicting various aspects of the period; they celebrated the achievements of today - with a parade and the "Run for Peace"; and also looked to the future with the launch of two sister school relationships between schools in Melbourne and Lemnos.
Representing the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee as well as the Lemnos Community of Victoria, I was very proud, as a Greek of Lemnian Heritage to participate in the wreath laying ceremonies at both Portianou and East Moudros Military Cemeteries, deliver the keynote address prepared by Historian Jim Claven, and accompany the other two groups from Melbourne to the various events.
The two groups from Melbourne represented at the events on Lemnos were the 2018 Armistice Tour Recipients (Alumni of the Premier's Spirit of Anzac) accompanied by Major General David McLachlan (Rtd) and Rowena Vagg Manager of the Veterans Branch of the Department of Premier and Cabinet; and the 30 Army Cadet Unit from Sunshine ably led by Captain John Luca and assisted by John Stewart. Also in attendance was Major Terry Kanellos (Rtd) representing the Hellenic Sub-Branch of the RSL Victoria.
Although there were many Diplomatic and Defence Force representatives from countries such as England, New Zealand, Canada, France and Germany to name a few, Australia was not only represented by Her Excellency the Australian Ambassador to Greece Kate Logan, but the 25 member delegation from Melbourne which not only attended but participated in the events by laying wreaths, singing the Australian Anthem, marching in the parade and in the case of the 30 Army Cadet Unit, forming the catafalque party at the Lemnos/Anzac Memorial at Moudros Bay. These young men and women were great ambassadors for Australia. Congratulations to all.
Looking forward to the future, I was delighted to introduce the Albert Park College, which is adjacent to the Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial at Lemnos Square, to the Moudros Senior High School and the Dandenong Greek Community School to the Moudros Junior High School to form sister school relationships. Both these relationships were officially launched at the events last weekend.
The Moudros Senior High School organised a school assembly, (also present were the Sub-Prefect of Lemnos Evangelos Giarmadouros, representatives of the local council, the clergy and parents), at which students welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of the sister school relationship. There was singing and dancing and of course the official launch which was in the form of a skype session between the Principal of the Albert Park College Steve Cook and the Principal of the Moudros Senior High School Stellios Karayiannis.
A similar event was arranged at the Moudros Junior High School at which the Principal Maria Papapanayiotou and the Principal of the Dandenong Greek Community School Niki Farfara-Pashou and the President of the Community Steve Karamoschos participated in the skype session officially launching the relationship. Students from both schools had prepared speeches and questions. There was also plenty of singing of popular Greek songs and the waving of both Greek and Australian flags.
Lemnos and Australia have a very strong bond with thousands of Lemnians leaving Greece and settling in Australia many years ago. There is also the Anzac connection to Lemnos. Today we look forward to the future through these initiatives with the schools.
Again, I would like to re-iterate how honoured and proud I was to be present at such an historical occasion and look forward to my continued association with all things Lemnian.
It would be remiss of me not to thank the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee and the Lemnos Community of Victoria for letting me represent them and of course, Jim Claven Historian and Secretary of our Committee for his amazing and detailed documentation of the events leading up to the Armistice of Moudros.
See some of my photos of the above events below.

Christina Despoteris
Vice President
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee; and
Executive Member
Sister Cities Australia