Greece commemorates 86th anniversary of the 1940 Ohi Day FAST-MOVING

Greece marks the 86th anniversary of Ohi Day, commemorating the nation's historic refusal to surrender to fascist Italy in 1940. The anniversary honors the resistance against the Italian invasion that began on October 28, 1940, following the rejection of an ultimatum delivered by Italian Ambassador Emanuele Grazzi to Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas.

Historical accounts detail the dramatic diplomatic exchange in Kifissia, where Metaxas famously responded to the demand for troop passage with the phrase, “Alors, c’est la guerre.” The subsequent conflict saw Greek forces, despite being outnumbered and facing extreme weather conditions including heavy snow and freezing temperatures in the Pindus mountains, successfully repel Italian forces and launch counter-offensives.

Commemorative events and parades are held across Greece and in Cyprus to honor the fallen, including notable figures such as the first Greek soldier killed in action, Vasileios Tsavaliaris, and the first officer, Alexandros Diakos. The day serves as a symbol of national sovereignty and the enduring spirit of resistance against Axis aggression during World War II.