Message from the Australian Ambassador, H.E. Mrs Jenny Bloomfield
During the Battle of Crete 70 years ago, Greeks and Australians sacrificed much and suffered terribly as they fought side by side in their defence of the island. The Cretans risked all to hide, feed and look after the Australians left behind, particularly in the face of Nazi reprisals.
The loss endured by the local population and the gallantry of the soldiers is something that has forged an eternal bond between our two countries. The Australian Returned and Services League, which supports veterans of all wars, has honored that bond and expressed its ongoing gratitude to the people of Crete by awarding annual scholarships to two Cretan students.
This year, to mark the 70th anniversary of the battle, the Returned and Services League has awarded four scholarships to outstanding Cretan students to assist them in their further studies. The Australian Embassy is proud to be associated with these awards. I welcome the students, their families and distinguished guests to today’s awards ceremony and to an exhibition of photographs from those dark days in 1941 when Greeks and Australians jointly confronted an overwhelming foe.
Address by the Australian Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, H.E. Mrs Jenny Bloomifield
Presentation of the Returned and Services League of Australia scholarships to students to Crete
Performance of Cretan dances
Photographic exhibition viewing
Reception
