Emmanuella Lambropoulos, Saint-Laurent
“Today, Greeks around the world mark Oxi Day. On this day in 1940, Greece refused to surrender to Axis forces and chose to fight in World War II. Their bravery reminds us that people can stand up and defend their freedom.”
“Mr. Speaker, today, Greeks around the world proudly commemorate the famous “No” or “Oxi”, a historic moment that symbolizes the courage, determination and spirit of resistance of the Greek people. On October 28, 1940, Mussolini gave the Greek prime minister Ioannis Metaxas an ultimatum, demanding that Greece allow the Axis forces to enter its territory and occupy strategic positions under the threat of war. Faced with this threat, the Prime Minister responded decisively, “Then it is war.” As Franklin Roosevelt alluded to, at a time when much of the world had lost hope, the Greek people dared to challenge the perceived invincibility of the Axis forces. The Greeks fought with extraordinary heroism, holding the Germans back for six weeks, significantly influencing the outcome of World War II. Their courage has inspired nations and serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments of history, the human spirit’s determination to defend freedom can prevail. [Member spoke in Greek] [English]”
Mr. Speaker, today, Greeks around the world proudly commemorate the famous “No” or “Oxi”, a historic moment that symbolizes the courage, determination and spirit of resistance of the Greek people. On October 28, 1940, Mussolini gave the Greek prime minister Ioannis Metaxas an ultimatum, demanding that Greece allow the Axis forces to enter its territory and occupy strategic positions under the threat of war. Faced with this threat, the Prime Minister responded decisively, “Then it is war.” As Franklin Roosevelt alluded to, at a time when much of the world had lost hope, the Greek people dared to challenge the perceived invincibility of the Axis forces. The Greeks fought with extraordinary heroism, holding the Germans back for six weeks, significantly influencing the outcome of World War II. Their courage has inspired nations and serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments of history, the human spirit’s determination to defend freedom can prevail. [Member spoke in Greek] [English]