The poignant image of a weeping evzone on his last duty has touched the hearts of Greeks everywhere.
The video of Giorgos, was posted on TikTok by his sister with the caption: “Being an Evzone is the ultimate service! A big thank you to our George, for making us so proud.”
@helenatsioulou Τελευταία υπηρεσία σαν ΕΥΖΩΝΑΣ ! σε ευχαριστουμε ΓΙΩΡΓΟ ΜΑΣ, που μας εκανες τοσο μα τοσο υπερηφανους !
#euzonesofgreece #evzonesofgreece #evzones #tsolias#presidentialguard @Tomb of the unknown soldier.
♬ To Vals Ton Hamenon Oniron – Hristos Zerbinos & Miltos Logiadis
Hundreds of social media users commended the video. “All of Greece is hidden in the tearful eyes of this young soldier and every young man who loves and honors his country,” says one user, another notes: “These tears falling on earth are felt by those who fell for the nation.”
The Evzones are a highly respected and iconic part of Greek military tradition, known for their distinctive uniform and rigorous training.
Soldiers who serve as Evzones often express feelings of pride in representing their country and upholding the traditions of the Evzones. They understand the importance of their role in preserving Greek military heritage and representing the nation and often form strong bonds with their fellow soldiers, creating a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
The Greek Evzone part of a long and honorable tradition
The long and honorable history of the Evzones, the Greek Presidential Guard, goes back to more than 150 years ago to December 12, 1868, the day it was established in the modern Greek state.
This distinguished, battalion-sized military unit, dubbed Agema at the time, was established by royal decree.
The Greek Presidential Guard prides itself on being the last unit of Evzones in the Greek Army, the historical elite light infantry and mountain units known for their hard-won victories against the nation’s enemies.
Over time and following the changes in the country’s regime, the unit underwent several successive name changes. Among these were: “Royal Guard Company” (1940), “Guard of Honor of the Unknown Soldier” (1941), “Flag Guard” (1942), and “Royal Guard” (1946). Despite name changes, the unit’s honorable mission of guarding the Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has remained consistent.
Since 1974, when democracy was restored in Greece, the unit has been called the “Presidential Guard,” retaining a purely ceremonial character. The Presidential Guard is supervised by the Military Office of the Presidency of the Republic.
The Presidential Guard of Greece is also honored as the only military unit allowed to raise and lower the Greek flag on the Acropolis in Athens.
Today, the Guards have become one of the major tourist attractions in Athens, and, much like in London, the famous ”changing of the guards” is a must-see spectacle for visitors to the Greek capital.
Related: The Presidential Guard: How Evzones Became a Potent Symbol of Greece
