As
a Greek/ Australian, via marriage and a passionate Philhellene I was stirred to
raise my voice to bring these marbles home and back to Greece. This was
directly achieved by this lecture given to the Greek community In Brisbane.
Emanuel Comino AM, the Founder and Chairman of the International Organising
Committee- Australia- for the
Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles INC,
the lecture “These Marbles are
Ours” organized by AHEPA, and the
Greek Community of St. George Brisbane, I and many other took away the “Passion” that Emanuel shared with us
on Wednesday 13th March 2013. Emanuel also said and repeated other
words which I believe is reflective of this organisations mission statement and
what must unify this “passion.” That
first word was Unity
This
togetherness or Unity means it isn’t
a “one person campaign” but the collective voice from all over the world. We
must be united and send out the same message here in Australia just as in
Canada or even Britain. That is why it is important for Emanuel Comino and all
members to be untied, and say the same thing. This lecture helped us understand
that united voice.
Secondly
- educate -and explain what the
marbles are and why Greece needs them back. This Emanuel did effectively and
fulfilled the aims and objectives of this Australian Arm of the International
Organising Committee- Australia- For The Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles
Thirdly
to foster a non- threatening win –win
situation and encourage a round table discussion especially with the
British museum and bring to that table solutions. This discussion is in respect for Greece and
the elected government not wishing for a confrontational law case. This was
well outlined by Emanuel Comino at the lecture.
So
what I took away was that we must remember strong passion must be shared in the
right why so the objectives of this International committee can be achieved.
Yes,
Greeks have endured setbacks. Like the
Parthenon they still find strength, persist, stand strong and continue. This one building crowns the capital.
Athenians will not allow tall buildings to be built to over shadow this symbol
of the past, present and future. Whenever a true Greek heart hears the words “Parthenon Marbles” our next thoughts
which follows are “We must bring them
Home, where they belong.” Emanuel
Comino’s passion is strong in our
own hearts, was refreshed. His words
once again relight our resolve to do just that. All Greeks of true heart and
education know “These Marbles Are Ours”.
So
I wish to thank Emanuel Comino for coming to Brisbane and giving this Community
the shared voice and passion so we now can speak out with confidence that we
are all saying the same thing to achieve the Return of the Parthenon Marbles.
