Albanese Honours Greek Courage in Oxi Day Message

by · Greek City Times

CANBERRA, October 2026 — The Albanese Oxi Day message for 2026 honours the Greek people who defied Fascist Italy on 28 October 1940. It also pays tribute to the Australians who fought beside them.

Anthony Albanese signed the message on 28 October 2026. His office shared it with Greek City Times before the anniversary, also known as Ochi Day. In it, he addresses the Australian Greek community as well as Greek people everywhere.

Albanese Oxi Day message recalls 1940

The Albanese Oxi Day message begins with the morning Greece rejected the Italian ultimatum. Next, the Prime Minister borrows the words of a wartime American leader.

“On this day 86 years ago, the Greek people came together in the midst of war and refused to submit to evil. In the awed words of United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt: ‘On the early morning of October 28, 1940, the Fascist aggressors handed an ultimatum to Greece. The challenge was hurled back without a moment’s hesitation.’”

Read more: Australian Ambassador Visits the Evzones’ Uniform WorkshopsAnthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia

Shortly after 3am that day, Italy’s ambassador arrived at the Kifisia home of Greek leader Ioannis Metaxas. He handed over the ultimatum. Because Italy demanded the right to occupy “strategic points” in Greece, Metaxas refused.

Italian troops then crossed the border from Albania before the 6am deadline. As a result, the Greco-Italian War began in the mountains of Epirus.

Albanese then turns to the meaning of that refusal in the Albanese Oxi Day message. He describes the Greek “no” as a gift to the world.

“Their cry of ‘no’ – that mighty Greek όχι! – echoed around a world engulfed by conflict. And in their courage, resolve and defiance, Greece gave humanity the gift of hope.

Nearly nine decades now stand between us and that extraordinary moment, yet it speaks to us with a clarity and power that only grows.”Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia

Honouring the Greek and Allied fallen

The Prime Minister also remembers those who did not live to see the freedom they fought for. Specifically, he links their sacrifice to Greece today.

“Today, we remember the valour of the Greek people in the face of a pitiless enemy. We honour the lives of all who sacrificed so much for freedom, laying the foundations for a brighter future they knew they might never see. Their resilience and selfless valour laid the foundations for the free and proudly independent Greece of today.”Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia

In addition, the Albanese Oxi Day message extends the tribute to Australian troops.

“Likewise, we honour all members of the Australian and Allied defence forces who joined with the Greek people, driven by the knowledge that if we did not confront tyranny together, we would be fated to confront it alone.”Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia

Australian soldiers fought in mainland Greece after Germany invaded in April 1941. Later, in May 1941, they fought in the Battle of Crete. Greek, British and New Zealand troops and Cretan civilians fought beside them.

Albanese Oxi Day message to Greek Australians

Finally, the Albanese Oxi Day message speaks directly to Australia’s Greek community. It also looks at the friendship between the two nations.

“On this Oxi Day, we join with Australia’s cherished Greek community. And we reaffirm the bonds between our nations – a friendship that grew into something even greater after that day in 1940, when Greece went against the bleakest of odds and refused to give in.

Wherever you gather today, I say once again to the Australian Greek community and to Greek people everywhere: Ζήτω η 28η Οκτωβρίου 1940!”Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia

The closing Greek words mean “Long live 28 October 1940!” People raise this cry at Oxi Day events in Greece and across the diaspora.

Earlier, Albanese spoke at the Hellenic Club Sydney centenary gala on Saturday 24 October. There, he said Australians joined the fight in Greece’s “most desperate hour of need”, Greek City Times reported.

On Oxi Day itself, the Evzones of the Hellenic Presidential Guard made their first official visit to Parliament House. Previously, Albanese marked the anniversary in 2025, so the Albanese Oxi Day message continues a yearly tribute.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister

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