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17 May, 2001
"The Battle of Crete will always be a point of reference," Prime Minister Costas Simitis said on Wednesday, in a message to mark the 60th anniversary since the historic battle, which is considered a turning point in World War II.
Describing it as "one of the brightest and most sensational moments of modern world history," he said the Battle of Crete had sent out a strong message of resistance to all corners of the globe against those who attempt to usurp the national independence and territorial integrity of nations and degrade people's dignity.
Messages commemorating the day were also sent by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Australian Prime Minister John Howard and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Events commemorating the anniversary began on Tuesday in the town of Hania with the presentation of certificates of honor to some 8,000 resistance fighters, and a message by from British prime minister Tony Blair.
On Friday, a ceremony will be held during which the flags of allied forces will be raised at Fort Firka, with 200 Battle of Crete veterans from Australia, Britain and New Zealand and their families joining their Greek comrades.
Events will culminate on Saturday and Sunday, attended by Greece's President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, the Duke of Kent representing Britain, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Australian and Greek ministers, former Greek premier Constantine Mitsotakis, and the armed forces chiefs of the allied countries.
On Sunday night, the Battle of Crete will be re-enacted at historic Maleme airport.
The Battle of Crete took place in May 1941 when Australian, New Zealand, British and Greek forces that had retreated to the island of Crete fought alongside the local population against the invading Nazi forces. Crete was the last part of Greece to come under German occupation, and losses were heavy on both sides during the famous battle, in which Germany deployed the largest number of paratroopers in World War II.
It is considered one of the most crucial battles of World War II, as it delayed the German attack on Russia long enough for the Wehrmacht to be caught in the Russian winter.
Hania prefect George Katsanevakis, who is petitioning for the Battle of Crete to be designated an official European holiday, announced that the first installment was on the way of some 600 million drachma earmarked for building a Battle of Crete Monument in the Hania town of Galatas.
UK Prime Minister's message:
"It is now 60 years since the people of Crete stood alongside Allied forces from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand to face attack by German aircraft and airborne forces. The courageous and stoic resistance by the defenders of Crete during those days in May 1941 did much to lift the spirit of the Allies. In commemorating the Battle of Crete we also remember the Royal Navy's attempts to defend Crete and, when the Allies were defeated, their evacuation of Allied troops to Egypt.
"After the Battle, thousands of Allied troops who were not captured by the Germans hid in the mountains and villages. The people of Crete, in spite of reprisals, gave refuge to these troops, fed and clothed them and helped them escape to their countries. The Allies will always owe a debt of thanks to the Cretan people for their bravery and support. As the passage of time reduces the number of veterans who return to Crete to commemorate the Battle, and particularly in the last year of official commemoration, it is important that we of following generations remember your sacrifices and bravery.
"I have the greatest pleasure in sending my warmest greetings to all of the veterans who make the pilgrimage and to the courageous Cretan people who steadfastly supported the Allies. The principles of peace and justice for which we fought in 1941 are still relevant today. I salute you for your selfless dedication to that cause."
Australia:
Australian Prime Minister John Howard's message dwelt on a new monument to the Battle of Crete set up in Rethymno, the "Greek-Australian Memorial Park" and concludes:
"We remember and honor the bravery and compassion of the men and women of Crete, who during and after the Battle risked harsh reprisals in order to provide refuge and care to many men of the Allied Forces that stayed behind. They will always have an honored place in our common history."
New Zealand:
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said this was a day to remember with pride and honor the "spiritual strength and fortitude of those who fell on the battlefield and to honor their memory.
"The memories of Crete and our common sacrifice on the altar of freedom have forged strong, enduring bonds between us. The Battle of Crete is a unique symbol of the special relationship between New Zealand and Greece and is an event whose memory does not fade with the passage of time but will continue to become stronger and deeper as time passes."
Source: Athens News Agency
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