‘Profoundly grateful’ – Greek PM Mitsotakis sends letter to Battle of Crete veteran

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis praised Battle of Crete veteran and ANZAC Leslie Cook successful a missive written to him connected the juncture of OXI Day.

Mitsotakis’ missive was personally delivered to Cook by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos.

The missive came successful enactment with OXI Day arsenic Mitsotakis honoured the present 102-year-old veteran, who was 1 of galore ANZAC soldiers that fought with Greece during the Battle of Crete successful 1941.

The afloat missive reads arsenic follows:

“On the juncture of ‘OXI Day’, which marks the opening of Greece’s heroic struggle for state against the Axis penetration during the Second World War, I wish to convey, connected behalf of the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Greek people, our deepest gratitude for the singular bravery and courageousness you demonstrated – together with your chap ANZAC soldiers – during the Battle of Crete successful 1941.

Your bequest – and that of your fallen comrades – forged indissoluble bonds betwixt the ANZACs and the radical of Greece, and laid the foundations of an enduring relationship betwixt Greece and Australia.

Veteran Leslie Cook speechmaking Mitsotakis’ letter. Photo: Embassy of Greece successful Australia/Facebook

The courageousness and solidarity shown connected the battlefield proceed to inspire, reminding us that bid indispensable ne'er beryllium taken for granted.

It demands vigilance, courageousness and sacrifice. As the large Greek historiographer Thucydides wrote successful the Funeral Oration of Pericles: ‘Happy are the free, and escaped are the brave.’

For the sacrifice of the ANZACs astatine the Battle of Crete, the Government of the Hellenic Republic, the Greek people, and I personally will ever stay profoundly grateful.

Your courageousness and devotion will ever person a special spot successful our nation’s history.

Your deeds will everlastingly beryllium remembered – a lasting reminder of the terms of state and the strength of solidarity betwixt our peoples.

Lest we forget.”