Descendants recognised for family service in WWII operations in Greece across Australia and News Zealand.
The Hellenic Republic has honoured the legacy of ANZAC servicemen who fought in Greece during the Second World War, with a series of commemorative medal presentations held across Australia and New Zealand.
At a ceremony at the Embassy of Greece in Canberra earlier this month, Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and Defence Attaché Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos presented Commemorative Medals of the Hellenic Republic to Maria Robson and Cadet James Callen.
The awards recognised the service of Ms Robson’s father and Mr Callen’s grandfather, who both participated in the ANZAC operations in Greece during WWII.
In New Zealand, similar ceremonies were held to honour additional descendants. At the Air Force Museum in Christchurch on 26 February 2026, Colonel Kyriakakos presented a commemorative medal to Phillipa Redmond, in recognition of her father’s service in the same campaign.
Two days later, on 28 February, a further ceremony took place at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in Wellington, where Graeme Reeves received a medal acknowledging his father’s contribution during the ANZAC operations in Greece. The presentation was attended by the Honorary Consul of Greece in New Zealand, Georgios Neonakis.
The commemorations form part of Greece’s ongoing effort to recognise and honour those who stood alongside the country during one of the most challenging periods in its modern history. “Greece never forgets those who fought by its side,” officials said.