Greece celebrates Independence Day with military parade in Athens

Officials observed the parade from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before the Parliament building, on low stands set without metal barriers and allowing a view of the central part of the monument, in a break from previous years.

Earlier in the day, at 10:00 a.m., the Greek president and the prime minister as well as other officials attended services at the Agios Dionyssios Areopagitis church, and the president lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The parade began around 11:00 a.m.

Students paraded in Athens on Tuesday, while other student parades were held throughout Greece on Wednesday.

Participants in the parade included representatives from all armed forces, special forces, the fire brigade and police as well as forces from the northeast border prefecture of Evros, a national guard unit from Rhodes and carriers of historic banners from the War of Greek Independence against the Ottoman Turks that broke out in 1821.

Also marching were retired wounded soldiers, nurses and Red Cross staff, followed by antimissile and tank units among others, while all parading on foot were led by the national guard (Evzones).

The parade was also attended by the national defence minister and representatives of foreign countries and was followed by performances of traditional dances and singing from several areas of Greece.