The Evzone’s Tearful Tribute to Greece

Credit: Video screenshot, Helena Tsioulou/TikTok

The poignant representation of a weeping evzone connected his past work has touched the hearts of Greeks everywhere.

The video of Giorgos, was posted connected TikTok by his sister with the caption: “Being an Evzone is the eventual service! A large convey you to our George, for making america truthful proud.”

Τελευταία υπηρεσία σαν ΕΥΖΩΝΑΣ ! σε ευχαριστουμε ΓΙΩΡΓΟ ΜΑΣ, που μας εκανες τοσο μα τοσο υπερηφανους ! 🩵 #euzonesofgreece #evzonesofgreece #evzones #tsolias#presidentialguard @Tomb of the chartless soldier.

♬ To Vals Ton Hamenon Oniron – Hristos Zerbinos & Miltos Logiadis

Hundreds of societal media users commended the video. “All of Greece is hidden successful the tearful eyes of this young worker and each young antheral who loves and honors his country,” says 1 user, different notes: “These tears falling connected world are felt by those who fell for the nation.”

The Evzones are a highly respected and iconic part of Greek subject tradition, known for their distinctive azygous and rigorous training.

Soldiers who service arsenic Evzones often explicit feelings of pridefulness successful representing their state and upholding the traditions of the Evzones. They recognize the value of their relation successful preserving Greek subject practice and representing the federation and often signifier beardown bonds with their chap soldiers, creating a consciousness of camaraderie and belonging.

The Greek Evzone portion of a agelong and honorable tradition

The agelong and honorable past of the Evzones, the Greek Presidential Guard, goes backmost to more than 150 years agone to December 12, 1868, the time it was established successful the modern Greek state.

This distinguished, battalion-sized subject unit, dubbed Agema astatine the time, was established by royal decree.

The Greek Presidential Guard prides itself connected being the past portion of Evzones successful the Greek Army, the humanities elite airy infantry and upland units known for their hard-won victories against the nation’s enemies.

Over clip and pursuing the changes successful the country’s regime, the portion underwent respective successive sanction changes. Among these were: “Royal Guard Company” (1940), “Guard of Honor of the Unknown Soldier” (1941), “Flag Guard” (1942), and “Royal Guard” (1946). Despite sanction changes, the unit’s honorable ngo of guarding the Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has remained consistent.

Since 1974, erstwhile ideology was restored in Greece, the portion 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 besides honored arsenic the lone subject portion allowed to rise and little the Greek emblem connected the Acropolis in Athens.

Today, the Guards person go 1 of the large tourer attractions successful Athens, and, overmuch similar successful London, the celebrated ”changing of the guards” is simply a must-see spectacle for visitors to the Greek capital.

Related: The Presidential Guard: How Evzones Became a Potent Symbol of Greece