Evzones, or men of the Greek Presidential Guard, are an elite force that stands guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace in the Greek capital of Athens. They raise and lower the flag on the Acropolis every Sunday.
Symbol of democracy and the Greek civilisation
Although some claim that the Evzones date back to the Homeric, Byzantine and later Ottoman eras, their history officially dates back to 1867. At that time, four infantry regiments were formed to protect the country's borders.
Their bravery in the Balkan wars and in two world wars gave them a reputation reminiscent of heroic status.
Guards of the Presidential Palace
After World War II, the regiments were disbanded as part of the modernization of the armed forces, except for one that remains in the Greek capital. Their role is of a ceremonial nature.
The Evzones guard the Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier around the clock.
Brilliance of the Greek presidential guard
They raise the Greek flag on the Acropolis every Sunday shortly after sunrise and take it down again at sunset. In addition, they accompany the president on all state visits abroad, welcome foreign state guests and take part in two parades on annual anniversaries.
The Presidential Guard is an elite unit. Soldiers doing their military service are carefully screened for physical strength and other criteria.
An Evzone soldier must be at least 1.87 m tall and be able to raise his legs to shoulder height while marching back and forth every day. All this is practiced in a five-week, top-secret training.
Those who complete the training are assigned a "brother," usually someone who resembles them in appearance. The duo helps each other dress; the uniforms - made of cotton in summer and wool in winter - are made entirely by hand.
Together they stand guard, and if one of them cannot carry out his duties, the other will stand guard by himself
All communication on duty is strictly denied. Though, a soldier in regular uniform accompanies each Evzone team. In case of emergency, each Evzone has the right to address the soldier by banging the butt of his rifle on the ground.
The soldier then steps in front of him, asks questions, and the Evzone blinks once for "yes," twice for "no," and three times for "I don't know."
In case that somebody tries to attack or contact them, their attendant in uniform engages.
Greek Independence Day parade
Men of the Greek Presidential Guard represent their homeland in the annual Greek Independence Day parade in New York, inspiring pride in the many Americans of Greek descent.