Evzones
The Presidential Guard History
Credit And Source: Athenstourgreece.com
1868
The long history of the Presidential Guard begins in 1868, with the establishment of a combatant and ceremonial elite unit of the Hellenic Army, aimed at providing high level military training to soldiers that have demonstrated bravery and military virtue, thus serving as a model for the rest of the Army.
1914
In 1914, after the end of the Balkan Wars, the unit was renamed “Palace Guard”.
1929
In 1929, when the construction of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier began, a company of Evzones called “Guard Company of the President of the Republic” assumed the responsibility of guarding the monument.
1940's
In the course of time and following the changes in the country’s regime, the unit underwent several successive name changes: “Royal Guard Company” (1940), “Guard of Honor of the Unknown Soldier” (1941), “Flag Guard” (1942), and “Royal Guard” (1946). Despite the changes in its name, the unit’s honorable mission of guarding the Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has remained unchanged.
1974
Since 1974, when democracy was restored in Greece, the unit has been ultimately named the “Presidential Guard”, retaining a purely ceremonial character. The Presidential Guard is supervised by the Military Office of the Presidency of the Republic.
1868
The long history of the Presidential Guard begins in 1868, with the establishment of a combatant and ceremonial elite unit of the Hellenic Army, aimed at providing high level military training to soldiers that have demonstrated bravery and military virtue, thus serving as a model for the rest of the Army.
1914
In 1914, after the end of the Balkan Wars, the unit was renamed “Palace Guard”.
1929
In 1929, when the construction of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier began, a company of Evzones called “Guard Company of the President of the Republic” assumed the responsibility of guarding the monument.
1940's
In the course of time and following the changes in the country’s regime, the unit underwent several successive name changes: “Royal Guard Company” (1940), “Guard of Honor of the Unknown Soldier” (1941), “Flag Guard” (1942), and “Royal Guard” (1946). Despite the changes in its name, the unit’s honorable mission of guarding the Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has remained unchanged.
1974
Since 1974, when democracy was restored in Greece, the unit has been ultimately named the “Presidential Guard”, retaining a purely ceremonial character. The Presidential Guard is supervised by the Military Office of the Presidency of the Republic.
Mission & Duties
Credit And Source: Athenstourgreece.com
All Evzones are volunteers drawn from the Hellenic Army’s Infantry Corps. Maintaining their status as unswerving guards, the Evzones continue to pay tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier around the clock, under any weather conditions. They also stand guard at the entrance of the Presidential Mansion and at the gate of the barracks of the Presidential Guard.
Furthermore, they serve as honor guards to the President of the Republic, foreign Heads of State, as well as to foreign Ambassadors while they present their credentials to the President.
The duties of the Presidential Guard also include the solemn raising and lowering of the Greek flag on the sacred rock of the Acropolis, which takes place on Sundays and national holidays, as well as the participation of unit’s detachments in commemorative events in Greece and abroad, most notably during the Greek Independence Day celebrations of March 25.
Every Sunday, at 11:00΄ am, the Grand Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. For this event, a detachment of Evzones, accompanied by a military band, marches from the Presidential Guard’s barracks to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and backwards.
"Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks."
- Winston Churchill
The Evzone Uniform
Credit And Source: Greeknewsagenda.gr
The Evzone’s uniform has a history that spans across the years, and is inextricably linked to Greece’s modern history and national identity. From 1821 onwards, the Evzone’s uniform of the military leaders and combatants who led the nation’s liberation struggles against the Ottomans, during the Greek Revolution of 1821, was adopted as the official national attire.
Today, the Evzone uniform of the Presidential Guard Officers varies slightly from that of privates. However, they share the basic features and symbolisms. It is worth noting that all uniforms are entirely handmade, and their detailed tailoring requires ample experience, time and expenses.
The defining characteristic of the uniform include: the Belt, which denotes the “well-girdled” fighter (from Greek eû:“well and zṓnē, “belt”). The Fustanella (a form of kilt) made of 30 meters of white fabric and consisting of 400 pleats, which representing the number of years of the turkish occupation. Its color is white, like the Ypoditis (shirt), as they both symbolize the purity of the struggles for national independence. The Fermeli (vest) is undeniably the most difficult part of the uniform to prepare, as it is hand-embroidered with artistic designs of cultural and folkloric value, in white or gilt thread. The red Pharion (cap), which carries the national emblem, symbolizes the sacrifices and blood spilled by the warriors during the nation’s liberation struggles, while its black silk tassel is a symbol of tears and mourning. The blue and white silk fringes across the Evzones’ uniform symbolize the Greek flag.
Lastly, one of the most iconic elements and strongest symbols of the Evzone’s uniform is the Tsarouhi (shoe) which is entirely hand- made of hard red leather. Each pair weighs about 3 kg, with 120 nails and a number of petals attached to the sole. According to tradition, the large black tassel of the tsarouhi was used to conceal blades that could prove useful for close range combat.