Greece marked the start of celebrations for its March 25, 1821 independence anniversary on Wednesday with early morning ceremonies in Athens, commemorating the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire.
The day began at 6.21 a.m. with a 21-gun salute from Lycabettus Hill and the performance of the Morning Call (Eothinos) by Armed Forces and Security Forces bands across central Athens.
At 8 a.m., the national flag was raised on the Acropolis.
A doxology service is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, presided over by Archbishop Ieronymos, followed by another 21-gun salute at 10.01 a.m.
At 10.55 a.m., President Konstantinos Tassoulas will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A military parade by Armed Forces and Security Forces units will follow at 11 a.m. in front of the monument.
The day’s official events will conclude at 6.41 p.m. with the lowering of the national flag at the Acropolis, accompanied by a final 21-gun salute from Lycabettus Hill.
Nationwide, celebrations include military parades, flag displays at military units and warships from March 23 through sunset March 25, and illumination of military facilities and naval vessels during the evenings of March 24 and 25.