Historical information

The photograph was taken at a gathering held at the Victoria Theatre in Victoria Street Richmond in 1961. The function was held to celebrate 25th March Greek National Day. Seated in the front row second from the left with other dignitaries is Stathi Vlass who was Secretary of Melbourne's Greek Community during the 60s. He was also president of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society 1957 - 1959. Fifth from the left is Stathi's uncle, Spiros Raftopoulos who was the President of the Greek Returned Soldiers.

Significance

Important national days for the Greek community are the 25 March and 28 October. 25 March commemorates the start of the Greek Revolution of 1821; it honors the Greeks' fight for freedom after being occupied by the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. The 28th of October, known as OXI day (NO day) commemorates the rejection by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on 28 October 1940 with a resounding NO. Subsequently Italy invaded Greece but were successfully repelled by the Greeks, delivering one of the first allied victories. However, this was met with a forceful and immediate response when In April 1941 Germany invaded Greece. Greek resistance fighters — a combination of right and left wing partisan groups — mounted a sustained guerrilla war throughout the 4 year occupation. Greece suffered 400,000 casualties during the occupation.

Physical description

A copied black and white photograph of a group of people seated in a large auditorium.

Inscriptions & markings

CELEBRATION OF THE GREEK NATIONAL DAY HELD IN THE VICTORIA THEATRE/ VICTORIA ST. RICHMOND IN 1661(incorrect date)