Historical information

The eighteen men are assembled at the Greek Returned Servicemen's League hall which was located in Russell Street, Melbourne. The honour board, erected in memory of Greek soldiers, features battle fields where the Greek army participated from 1821, the beginning of Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, through to World War 2 and the Italian and German occupation of Greece. The man seated in front in an army uniform is an American serviceman. Seated fourth from the left is Spiros E. Raftopoulos who was president of the organisation from 1944 - 1968.

Significance

Today the Hellenic RSL sub-Branch of Victoria represents and supports the Greek Australian veteran community. In 1978 the organisation joined the Returned and Services League of Australia. The Hellenic RSL sub-Branch commemorates all the Greek and Australian national days each year and proudly marches on Anzac Day in Melbourne, alongside veterans from the wars of Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan and earlier wars. On Anzac Day 2013 members of the IPS took part in the Anzac Day march for the first time. Greek national days are commemorated with wreath-laying ceremonies inside the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, at which the IPS participates.

Physical description

A black and white photograph of eighteen men seated and standing in front of an honour board, which has curtains on either side of it.