By Bill Giannopoulos
Greece has delivered a message to the Greek diaspora ahead of Ohi Day on October 28, honouring the courage of those who resisted Fascist Italy’s ultimatum in 1940 and highlighting the responsibility of future generations to preserve the nation’s history and identity.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis M. Loverdos issued the message to Greeks living abroad, reflecting on the significance of the historic refusal that brought Greece into the Second World War.
On October 28, 1940, Greece rejected an ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini demanding the country accept conditions that would undermine its sovereignty.
The response, remembered as Ohi, meaning “No” in Greek, became a defining moment in modern Greek history and a lasting symbol of resistance, freedom and national dignity.
Ohi Day’s message reaches Greeks worldwide
Loverdos said the significance of Ohi Day extended well beyond Greece’s borders, inspiring Greek communities across the world.
He highlighted the contribution of Greeks living in the United States, Australia, Egypt, South Africa and other countries who supported the homeland during the war.
Some sent financial assistance, others volunteered, while some returned or offered their services to the country of their parents and ancestors.
The message also honoured the women who transported supplies to Greek soldiers under difficult wartime conditions and the families who endured the anxiety, separation and loss brought by the conflict.
The sacrifices of Greek soldiers in the Pindus Mountains became part of the nation’s collective memory, while the poetry of Odysseas Elytis helped capture the determination and suffering of the Greek people.
Preserving Hellenism across generations
In his message, Loverdos stressed that the Greek diaspora played a vital role in keeping the nation’s identity alive far from its geographical borders.
“Homeland is not only a geographical place. It is memory, language, family and national responsibility,” he said.
He pointed to Greek families, community organisations, schools and churches as essential to preserving the language, history, culture and shared memory of Hellenism.
Passing this heritage to younger generations, he said, was a responsibility that required children to understand not only what happened in 1940, but why the events continue to matter.
The message also connected Ohi Day’s historical legacy with contemporary challenges, including armed conflicts and economic and energy crises.
Loverdos said freedom, dignity and faith in shared values could not be taken for granted, calling for responsibility and unity in confronting the challenges of the modern world.
“Long live October 28”
The Deputy Minister concluded by honouring those who fought and sacrificed their lives for Greece’s freedom, urging Greeks abroad to pass the memory and meaning of Ohi Day on to their children.
He called on the diaspora to keep the anniversary’s message alive as a responsibility to future generations.
“Long live October 28! Long live Greece!” he declared.
For Greek communities around the world, Ohi Day remains an occasion to honour the sacrifices of the past while strengthening the cultural ties that connect the diaspora with Greece.
Source: Embassy of Greece in Australia, message from Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis M. Loverdos.