BROOKLYN – In a deeply emotional atmosphere and great enthusiasm, the Evzones detachment of the Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic was welcomed at the Greek school of Plato in Brooklyn on Tuesday, April 1st.
The event was attended by the entire teaching staff, students, the parents’ association, members of the school committee, parents, grandparents, and supporters of the school.
The head of the detachment, Captain Ioannis Kliafas, gave a brief presentation on the history and significance of the Presidential Guard.
“The long history of the Presidential Guard dates back to December 12, 1868, with the establishment of a military and ceremonial unit within the standing army, known as the ‘Detachment’. Its purpose was to provide outstanding military training to those distinguished for their military virtue, serving as a model for the rest of the army.” He further noted that after the Balkan Wars, in 1914, it was renamed the ‘Royal Guard’. In 1929, the year construction of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier began, an Evzone company known as the ‘Presidential Guard Company’ was assigned to its protection.
Over the years and with changes in the political system, its name underwent several changes: ‘Royal Guard Company’ (1940), ‘Honorary Guard of the Unknown Soldier’ (1941), ‘Flag Guard’ (1942), and ‘Royal Guard’ (1946). However, its mission remained unchanged: the honorary guarding of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Palaces.”
He also informed the gathering that “since 1974, following the restoration of democracy in Greece, it has been permanently named the ‘Presidential Guard’. It now has a purely ceremonial role and falls under the Military Office of the Presidency of the Republic.”
Second Lieutenant and representative of the Presidential Military Office, Sofia Pavlidou, thanked the school for the warm welcome and presented commemorative gifts to the students on behalf of the new President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas.
Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and event coordinator Peter Vlitas stated that the wish of the President of the Republic and the Evzones was to visit as many Greek schools as possible.
“We were very happy to make this happen. We divided the Evzones into two groups and visited schools in Astoria, Brooklyn, Long Island, New Jersey, and even a nursing home.
We felt it was our duty to visit ‘Platon;, the only school with a Greek orchestra that always leads the parade.”
Principal Leonidas Papoulias welcomed the Evzones detachment and described their presence at the school as a great honor. “The Evzones, with their imposing uniforms and strict posture, symbolize respect and dedication to our homeland. They stand tall day and night before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, reminding everyone of our duty to honor our heroes.”
