Source: SMH
Prime Minister Julia Gillard attending the Greek Independence Day celebrations. Photo: Edwina Pickles
Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Sunday joined thousands of Australians celebrating Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1828.
About 3000 people attended the Sydney event, including many families who had come towatch their children’s church or school group perform traditional Greek dances and songs.
Ms Gillard said it was “a day of seriousness and also of enjoyment”.
“[It is] a day to commemorate great patriots and a day to celebrate what they won and what their descendants have built around the world,’’ she said.
Chrys Rontziokos, 40,who emigrated to Australia in 1966, said it was a great chance to catch up with others.
‘‘Everyone gets together on this day, people we haven’t seen for a very long time,’’ she said.
GREEK WORLD MEDIA 