Statement of Purpose - Vision

The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council was formed in October 2015 in Melbourne and is an initiative of the indefatigable leadership of the Cretan Community  of  Victoria.

The Council has been established to ( a ) promote and commemorate the involvement of Anzac Forces in the Greek Campaign and the Battle of Crete in 1941, ( b ) to promote  and  commemorate the involvement of the Greek Army and Greek civilians in the campaigns that have forever created a bond between Australia and Greece, ( c ) re-enforce the historical connection between Australia and Greece, whether through military operations or migration, ( d ) Encourage pilgrimages and tourism between Australia and Greece to further deepen the appreciation of this connection, to enhance economic development and provision of associated infrastructure including memorials and  finally  ( e )  to reach out  and seek the involvement of our ANZACS descendants and Families including  children and grandchildren.

The Council aims to achieve this through engaging with Federal, State and Local Governments, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Ministry for Defence in Greece and Australia, seeking  the  support  of  the Allied Consular Offices, the participation of the Australian Unit Associations, Regiments  and  Battalions, the private sector and communities in Australia, New Zealand and Greece and especially at the local level in Crete, and other significant Anzac sites in Greece

Its purpose is to commemorate the Anniversary of the Battle of Crete in Australia in such a way that will preserve and promote the shared history and the links of Australia, New Zealand, Britain and Greece, raise awareness of the importance of the Battle of Crete and  Greek  Campaigns  and to remember and honor the fallen and the remaining veterans  and  in particular  to  our  younger  Generations  and  our Students.

Some of the events the Council has planned, include a photographic Exhibitions, Lectures, Seminars, Forums, Commemorative  Services, Wreath Laying Ceremonies, Parades, Movie Nights, Olive Tree Plantations, Community Sporting Events, School Tours, Memorial Tours, Study Guides, Flag Ceremonies, Book Launches, Luncheons, Dinner Dances,  Memorial Unveilings  on the Australian involvement in 2nd World War and in particular  the Battle of Crete.

FOCUS   :

  • On building awareness of the Battle of Crete and Greek Campaign in the build-up, during and post the 75th Anniversary year in 2016
  • Maximise mainstream turnout at the Battle of Crete Commemorative events at the Shrine of Remembrance and Australian Hellenic Memorial
  • Support the Cretan Community in their Annual Battle of Crete Commemorations and encourage other Greek Community organisations that have a significant ANZAC heritage to commemorate their  history.
  • Private James Zampelis is the only Hellenic Anzac to die in the Battle of Greece and Crete. Consideration may be given to produce and install a small bronze plaque at the village Mournes where he was killed.
  • To approach  other community groups to be involved in the Annual Program that  have an ANZAC connection.
  • To engage political and community  pressure to the Australian Government  to recognize the Battles of  Greece and Crete by awarding a specific Medal.