All Greeks feel an outstanding movement when they recall in their memory the epic facts of an heroic era: 1940. Indeed, those great and glorious events sealed with indelible glory the historic evolution of the Hellenic nation.
It is true that the nation feels exceptional pride for the great "NO" on the 28th of October 1940, said by the Hellenic people at the very early dawn of that historic day.
"The League of Nations, that supported the hopes of all nations for constant peace, was literally disintegrated and lost any substantial significance, after USA withdrew, in a mood of isolation, from the Organization, followed by Germany in 1939, Italy in 1935, as well as an antagonism in showing "peace loving" attitude by the rest of the Western Democracies, mainly England and France, that could not timely foresee and realize the coming threat of war. "
The Hellenic Epic of 1940, a phenomenon psychologically and historically unexpected for the entire world, was unjustly treated by the events that followed : occupation, resistance, executions, the December 1944 coup, the first post-war years, the outburst of the nuclear era, these were facts that shadowed the previous deeds, sealing, and locking-in that chapter of history, before having the chance to explore its monumental significance, a chapter that was only opened after the country’s liberation from the German boot.
The generation of the '40s proved, once more, that the sacred passion for the freedom of the country is the ultimate duty for all Greeks, who have repeatedly proved it during their age-long existence, and they will not cease to do the same, as long as they live in this beautiful country.
by LTC (Armor) Ioannis Georgoussis
Translated by: Translation Office / HAGS
Cyprus' Contribution to the 1940 Hellenic Epic
- 20,000 Greek Cypriots including 800 women supported the Greek cause against the Axis
- 15,000 wedding rings were given to support Greece's fight for freedom against all-mighty Italy.
- 40 Greek Cypriot students joined the Greek army.
- Turkish Cypriots also supported the Greek cause for freedom.
- Thousands of Greek Cypriots were arrested and captured in Peloponese and Crete.
- 650 Greek Cypriots were killed in the battlefield and buried in 12 different countries.
Information collected from Phileleftheros Online
Xronia Polla, Anastasia mou. This is a great post and a wonderful tribute to all the Greeks who fought against fascism and nazism. Freedom cannot be earned without struggles and sacrifices. As a Greek I feel very proud of our Nation and the victory of Greece over Mussolini's Italy.
Posted by: Constantinos | October 28, 2010 at 02:09 PM
I am ..speechless! I didn't know that 15,000 Greek Cypriots gave their wedding ring for the Greek cause...considering that in those days the wedding ring was sacred for the Greeks. For those people it was a great sacrifice. Union makes the force after all. Xronia Polla!
Posted by: Christina | October 28, 2010 at 02:44 PM
Xronia Polla!!! What a wonderful tribute! Thank you, Anastasia.
Posted by: Karolina | October 28, 2010 at 02:52 PM
"Την πατριδα ουκ ελαττω παραδωσω." Long live Greece!
Posted by: Lakis Ioannou | October 28, 2010 at 03:14 PM
I feel like I've just had a history lesson-I knew none of this-Thank you!!! I know I'll never forget the wedding ring part-so touching.
Posted by: Tipper | October 28, 2010 at 06:29 PM
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kofla Olivieri | October 28, 2010 at 06:29 PM
Xronia Polla, Anastasia mou and thank you for this beautiful tribute to one of Greece's brightest moments in its long history. The generation of the 40s proved the world that they were faithful to the heritage left by our ancestors in 1821 - I only wish that our heroes will inspire the younger generation as well.
Posted by: Sophia | October 28, 2010 at 08:08 PM
Buonasera Anastasia. I am Italian but I feel greatfull to anyone who fight against facism and Benito Mussolini - a dictator that made my country feel shame. I am also glad because Italy and Greece are now good neighbors and great friends.
Posted by: Lisa A | October 28, 2010 at 08:24 PM
Thank you for a great history lesson. I said it before, I'll repeat it now - I've been learning a lot from you.
Posted by: Jim | October 28, 2010 at 10:42 PM
Habebti.
We are lucky here in Lebanon schools they teach us the world history.Not Just about Lebanon in fact Lebanon was ruled by many Florine countries.We didn't Gain independent they gave it to us that is why some politicians are still tide to those who gave them what they call independent.
The only Battle attaching the french army to free the politicians that time was done by my Uncle and his men .One went up to the tank and blow himself inside it to stop the other tanks on the bridge to move.
We are lucky as a family our revolution history is very good Lucky also that my uncle was the First man who started a political party which Saadi put it's Principles.
We were lucky as kids cause every night after finishing our home work My Father use to gather is around the wooden stove tell us a story.His story was not about the witch or the wolf it was a History story about Lebanon and other countries.He was Great in history and the way he tels it as a story so we will stuck it in our minds.
Use to tell us about the Phoenicians .The Greek and the Persians who were in the old time the strongest power.
The Greek has a very good history they are the mother and father of democracy started in Athens. The Philosophers are the kings of Knowledge.
The old fighting leaders were great .
I still remember when my father told us how the Persians Fleet was concord by the Greek when the Persians fleet attacked Greece. A very good trick the Greek did there is just a path which they can block with a ship
So they left one ship out of the battle when the Persians fleet wanted to redraw and leave the Greek blocked the path with that ship and they concord the whole Persians fleet.
Wish I can remember the name of the battle or the leaders or at least which year that was very long ago.But as you know the second sixty years is not as good as the second sixty plus all my sickness.
God Bless.
With all my endless Love Walid.
Posted by: walid1949 | October 30, 2010 at 12:27 AM
Thank you for sharing an important part of your culture, your history and your family. I didn't know your uncle was the first man to found a political party in Lebanon - thus showing how much he loved his country. As for your father, he certainly taught you a great history lesson aiming at forming national awareness. Concerning Greece and the Persian wars, I think you mean either the battle of Marathon in 490 BC. or the battle of Thermopylae in 480BC. Both Miltiades and Leonidas made us Greeks feel so proud of being Greek.
Posted by: Anastasia | October 30, 2010 at 11:05 PM
Καλά να θυμόμαστε και προπάντων να διδασκόμαστε.
Posted by: Phivos Nicolaides | October 31, 2010 at 06:19 PM
Συμφωνω απολυτα, Φοιβο. Το κυριοτερο ειναι να διδασκομαστε διοτι η Ιστορια επαναλαμβανεται.
Posted by: Anastasia | November 01, 2010 at 12:31 AM