28 October: Freedom, National Unity and Democracy

National independence, resistance to fascism, social cohesion and the defence of democracy are the central themes of the messages issued by Corfu’s political representatives for 28 October. Eighty-six years after the historic “OCHI” (“NO”), references to 1940 are linked to today’s international challenges, while particular emphasis is placed on Corfu’s contribution to the war and the price the island paid during the Occupation.

The Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy and Corfu ND MP, Stefanos Gikas, stresses that freedom and national independence are won through struggle and sacrifice. He links the message of 1940 to today’s geopolitical uncertainty, highlighting the need for strong Armed Forces, constant vigilance and the defence of national sovereignty in accordance with international law. He points out that peace requires strength and credible deterrence.

The secretary of PASOK’s parliamentary group and Corfu MP, Dimitris Biaggis, highlights the importance of national unity and social cohesion. He stresses that the historical experience of 1940 demonstrates the power of collective effort when fundamental values are under threat. He links historical memory to the need to address today’s social challenges, advocating a vision of a country with a place for everyone.

Corfu MP Alexandros Avlonitis highlights the anti-fascist character of the anniversary, linking the “OCHI” to the defence of peace, human dignity and democracy. He makes particular reference to the 200 Corfiots of the Lantzidis Company, the uprising by school pupils in early November 1940, the Jews of Corfu who suffered martyrdom in Nazi concentration camps, and the resistance fighters who were killed, imprisoned or exiled. He calls on the present generation not to remain indifferent to those who are persecuted, but to continue the struggle against fascism, concluding: “Never again war, never again fascism.”

The Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Yiannis Trepeklis, describes 28 October as a landmark in modern Greek history and refers to the resistance against fascism and totalitarianism. He highlights the democratic tradition of the Ionian Islands and stresses that unity, solidarity and collective effort remain essential to overcoming today’s difficulties and securing a better future.

North Corfu Mayor Giorgos Mahimaris places particular emphasis on local historical memory. He recalls the operations of the Lantzidis landing detachment, known as the “Company of Death”, in Thesprotia, as well as the German bombing raids of 13–14 September 1943, which caused extensive destruction in Corfu Town, including damage to the Municipal Theatre, the Ionian Academy and the Public Library. He links the historic “OCHI” to the present-day resistance against authoritarianism, violence and injustice, placing democracy, social justice and peace at the forefront. Addressing young people in particular, he points out that “the greatest vindication of the generation of 1940 will be for future generations never to have to experience what they endured.”

GIORGOS KATSAITIS