On October 28, we celebrate ΄Ochi day’, the day on which Ioannis Metaxas, the Prime Minister of Greece, replied “Ochi”( No ) to Benito Mussolini, the Italian Prime Minister, who wanted to occupy Greece. Metaxas asked the Greeks to fight to the death. A few hours later the Italians attacked the Greek borders in Albania. That was the beginning of the Greco-Italian war which lasted for six months.
We are entitled to be proud of our fierce resistance to the Italians and, thus, celebrate it. Had it not been for Greece, WWII would have lasted longer and the extent of casualties would have been greater.
Celebrations begin in schools on 27th October. Students present poems, songs, short plays and videos concerning that day. On October 28, celebrations continue with student and military parades throughout the country.
All these celebrations help us realise the importance of the Greek contribution to WWII and make younger generations never forget that their forefathers fought heroically and finally gained for their country the independence it possesses today.
