For the first time in Australia’s history of ANZAC Day marches, Cypriots were invited to join the Sydney parade on Tuesday, April 25 in recognition of their service in past wars.
Outside Nicosia in Cyprus and London in the United Kingdom, Sydney became the third city to host Cypriot veterans and their descendants.
On the day, members of the Cyprus Community of NSW marched under the banner “CYPRUS REGIMENT – CYPRIOTS FOR ANZACS.”
During the march, the public applauded the group, with many shouting out “thank you,” “bravo” and even “eucharisto” in broken Greek.
The march was a momentous occasion for the Cypriot community in NSW as tens of thousands of Cypriots fought alongside ANZAC soldiers during World War I and II, but their war service has been largely overlooked and forgotten.
Their attendance at the ANZAC Day parade ensured their presence and contribution to the war effort was felt.
