28 - 29 October 2013 One of the countries' most important National Holidays.

This beautiful morning was the start of the National Holiday that Greece celebrates the legendary
Ochi Day (Meaning NO DAY) the refusal of the small nation's request by Mussolini
to surrender during WWII.

It is worth reading this article to familiarize yourselves with the brief description of the history. The short version is when Greece said no to Mussolini, the Italians and Germans needed to march into Greece and this delayed Hitler's plan to invade Russia (Barbarosa) by 6 weeks thus giving Russia more preparation time and thus changing the outcome of World War II. Should you read the article listed below, you can see the quotes from all of the World Leaders thanking Greece for their sacrifice and valor.

http://globalgreekworld.blogspot.gr/2010/10/28th-october-1940-day-greece-said-loud.html

We went to town, it was vibrating with anticipation and excitement.

People from Athens had come for the long weekend, boats from every where had flooded the port.
Children were running to school all dressed up for the parade.

The military parade takes place in Northern Greece, while in Athens and the rest of the country including cities, town and villages have parades with schools.

The town was dressed up in Blue and white the National colors of Greece.

We were listening to the national marches and songs from the 1940s as well as the narration of that
incredible day in the Nation's history that helped change the History of Europe.

It was very touching for me as I had not been to Greece for so many years during this Holiday.

As I have mentioned at a different entry the island of Poros is located within 3 minutes by boat from the mainland and the small town of Galatas, therefore as we reached the downtown area of Poros we looked across the water and saw that the parade in Galatas had started already here it is!

On our side in the meantime the navy officers had just finished putting together the

decorations with the flags as well as preparing the marble monument dedicated to the fallen heroes of 1912-22.

The town was looking so so well and we saw a little boy dressed with the uniform of what was called an "Evzon". He looked adorable, it reminded me the time I had found one that fit our son when he was 5 and he looked so good in it, very touching. He was part of his play at the Greek school he attended.

Here is some information on this traditional uniform

The Evzon is the name of several historical elite light infantry and mountain units of the Greek Army. Today, it refers to the members of the Presidential Guard  an elite ceremonial unit that guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , the Presidential Mansion and the gate of Evzones camp in Athens. The Evzones are also known, colloquially, as Tsoliades 

Though the Presidential Guard is a predominantly ceremonial unit, all Evzones are volunteers drawn from the Hellenic Army's Infantry, Artillery and Armoured Corps. Prospective Evzones are usually identified at the Army Recruit Training Centres during Basic Training; there is a minimum height requirement of 1.86 m (6' 1.2") to join.

The unit is famous around the world for its unique traditional uniform, which has evolved from the clothes worn by the klephts who fought the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The most visible item of this uniform is the fustanella, a kilt-like garment. Their proven valour and peculiar dress turned them into a popular image for the Greek soldier.

The schools were at their best, the top of the class was carrying the flag and everyone was so so excited and proud! Their teachers were there ready to direct them as soon as the band struck their first note.

The band started the parade with traditional marches.

And here are the children in all their glory.

Part of the high school was wearing the traditional costumes of the region.

I remember my sparkling white blouse and crisp navy blue skirt, WOW it

was so emotional, bringing back the care free times in my life.

Even this little man was moving the flag back and forth with the beat!

Later in the afternoon, we watched the end of the summer  sailing regatta that had gone to several different islands. They came to the harbor last night, all of 75 sailing boats. The following morning they all gathered in the bay in front of our house and presented us with a phenomenal view of their exercises

 a wonderful finale for all. 

I had to take this not so clearly focused picture from inside the house it looked like a perfect shot.

The morning of October 29th was so glorious that we decided to go swimming maybe for one last time before we come back to the US. We found the perfect spot with no wind and a crystal clear sea.

The view of the open cerulean sky and the sparkling sea was perfect.

We could see the small transparent fish swim in the shallow waters.

I need to show you this amazing picture, this is a perfect shot to notice how the weather changes meaning the direction of the wind one can easily see it on the calm sea, it is almost behind the buoy.

At the edge of the beach there was an incredible rock formation, it was so impressive, as if there were roots of a large tree. 

An absolutely perfect day.