Today, October 28, marks the anniversary of one of the most important days in the history of the world, yet few people remember it’s significance. But the Greeks do, and they celebrate OXI day, every year.
The day was October 28, 1940. At dawn that morning (4:00am), after a party in the German embassy in Athens, Mussolini (through Emanuele Grazzi, the Italian ambassador in Greece) issued an ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas to surrender, or face open war with Italy.
Metaxas, a career military officer and more importantly a proud Greek, was not inclined to acquiesce to Mussolini’s demands (surprise!), thus touching off the beginning of the Greco-Italian War and a series of unbelievable events that would eventually neutralize Italy, cripple Germany, and cost 1,000,000 Greek lives.
The Video Montage
Here is the story of Greek resistance as told through a short video. Heroic, yet sad.
For the Record
What happened next was nicely summed up by Congressman Mike Bilirakis (R-FL), Co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, in a special order speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate the anniversary of OXI Day (pronounced “O-hee”). It comes straight from the Congressional Record in Washington, D.C., October 29, 2003.
The full text of Congressman Bilirakis’ remarks follow:
Mr. Speaker, I rise proudly to celebrate “oxi” day. The historical significance of this day and what it meant to the outcome of World War II cannot be overstated. The outcome of a decision made on a day in 1940, had a profound impact on the conducting of the war by Nazi Germany. We’re talking about a stand made by a small, battered and courageous nation, namely Greece, against the larger, more powerful aggressors Italy and Germany.
By October of 1940, World War II had begun, and the Nazi war machine was already in high gear. Along with Hitler’s ally, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, the German and Italian forces were threatening the whole of Europe. European nations were bowing to tyranny and destruction as the Germans and the Italians marched through Europe.
Great Britain endured Germany’s aerial bombardment, forcing Hitler to seek another avenue to subdue the British. Hitler intended to eliminate British operations in the Mediterranean in order to weaken their ability to deter German advances.
To achieve this, Hitler needed the Axis powers to strike at British forces in Greece. By conquering Greece, Hitler would gain access to an important connecting link with Italian bases in the Dodecanese islands. This would give the Italians a strangle hold on British positions in Egypt, where British forces were already facing attack from the Italian army in north Africa. The British considered the defense of Egypt vital to allied positions in the oil rich Middle East.
On October 28, 1940, the Italian Ambassador in Athens presented an insulting ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Metaxas, demanding the unconditional surrender of Greece or Italy would declare war and invade Greece. Mussolini had given the Greek Prime Minister Metaxas three hours to reply.
Prime Minister Metaxas responded with the now historic word “oxi”, which means “no” in Greek. His statement embodied the true spirit of the Greek people. His words of defiance echoed the same devotion and love of country that Greek patriots exhibited during their war of independence against the Ottoman empire when they shouted the defiant words “liberty or death.” Prime Minister Metaxas’ actions marked the beginning of one of the world’s most heroic efforts against tyranny and oppression. Italy then invaded.
It is important to note that in addition to Greece having a population seven times smaller than Italy, the disparity in their armed forces was even greater: Italy had close to ten times the firepower of Greece in its army and navy and seven times the troops. Italy’s large air force had total air superiority since Greece had a very small defensive air force. However, despite their lack of equipment, the Greek army proved to be well-trained and resourceful. Within a week of the invasion, it was clear that Italian forces were suffering serious setbacks despite having control of the air and fielding superior armored vehicles.
On November 14th, the Greek army launched a counter-offensive and quickly drove the Italian forces back into Albania. By the next month, the Greeks had captured the town of Pogradec in eastern Albania. The fighting continued for a few more months…it was clear that the Greeks were not going to stand for defeat. In a last ditch effort to bring the war to a close before the Italians would be forced to ask Hitler to intervene, they launched another assault on March 12, 1941. After six days of fighting, the Italians had made only insignificant gains, and it became clear that German intervention was necessary.
On April 6, 1941, Hitler ordered the German invasion of Greece. It took the Germans five weeks to finally end the conflict. This delay proved to be critical to the outcome of the war. Italy’s inability to capture Greece enabled the British to win major victories against Mussolini’s forces in north Africa. This solidified British positions in the region as well as in Cyprus. In addition, it contributed to the failure of the German Barbarossa campaign to conquer Russia.
Due to Mussolini’s humiliating defeat by the Greeks in Albania and Greece, Hitler was compelled to capture the Balkans, mainly Yugoslavia and Greece, thus, delaying his Barbarossa plan to invade and capture the Soviet Union before the winter of 1941. The Greek resistance, both in Albania, and in the other famous battle in Crete, altered, favorably for the allies, his Barbarossa time table by at least six months.
Perhaps most importantly, the Germans never gained the advantage against the British. Although Germany had conquered much of Europe, its inability to decimate British and Russian forces early in the war would eventually prove to be fatal. Thanks to the heroic Greek resistance and their countless sacrifices, the war tide had been permanently changed for Hitler due to the delay of this critical time table.
Nearly one million Hellenes died during that time. That was 14% of the population in 1940. That is equivalent to losing 39 million people in this country TODAY in the case of a war to defend our country.
The entire Western world, discouraged and fearful of the Axis powers and the growing ugly war, took hope from these incredible victories. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said of the Greeks: “Today we say that Greeks fight like heroes, from now on we will say that heroes fight like Greeks.”
A very small number of those Greeks who fought like heroes are still alive today – some now are American citizens. One of those heroes lives in my congressional district – Mr. Demetrios Palaskas who, along with others, has shared those traumatic stories of the mountain fighting by the rag-tag Greeks against such a powerfully equipped invader. We all salute you Mr. Palaskas – you and your many fellow heroes for helping to keep the world free.
Mr. Speaker, “oxi” day is an inspiration to all those who cherish democracy and freedom. It marks defiance against terrible odds. As an American of Greek descent, I am proud to honor the memory of those brave patriots who fought for freedom for themselves and ultimately for all the free world on this important day.
I’m extremely proud to say that my grandfather, Nickolas Pozadzides, was one of those Greek heroes who fought and survived in World War II. And I’m also extremely proud to say that my other grandfather Cranford W. Gordon served our country proudly in the US Air Force.
Consequences of Resistance
Greece was eventually forced to confront four different armies: Albania, Bulgaria, Germany, and Italy.
The Greek victory over the initial Italian offensive of October 1940 was the first Allied land victory of the Second World War, and helped raise morale in occupied Europe.
The Greek resistance influenced the course of the entire war by forcing Germany to postpone the invasion of the Soviet Union in order to assist Italy.
By one estimate 311,000 people, or 4.3% of the Greek population, were killed (reference). Among them 140,000 died from starvation during occupation.
Other estimates put the death toll much higher. For example claims that “over 300,000 civilians died from starvation, thousands more through reprisals”.
The Greek Resistance, one of the most effective resistance movements in Occupied Europe, was formed. These resistance groups launched guerrilla attacks against the occupying powers and set up large espionage networks.
Hundreds of villages were systematically torched and almost one million Greeks left homeless.
One of the most touching episodes of the early resistance took place just after the Germans reached the Acropolis on April 27. The Germans ordered the flag guard, EvzoneKonstandinos Koukidis, to retire the Greek flag. The Greek soldier obeyed, but when he was done, he wrapped himself in the flag and threw himself off of the plateau where he met death.
Quotes About the Greeks in World War II
“For the sake of historical truth i must verify that only the Greeks, of all the adversaries who confronted us fought with bold courage and highest disregard of death.” – Adolph Hitler (From speech he delieverd to Reichstagon May 4th 1941)
“I am sorry because I am getting old and I shall not live long to thank the Greek people whose resistance decided WW2.” – Joseph Stalin (From speech broadcast over radio after victory of Stalingrad January 31 1943)
You fought unarmed and won, small against big. We owe you gratitude because you gave us time to defend ourselves. As Russians and as people we thank you. – Joseph Stalin
“The war with Greece proved that nothing is firm in the military and that surprises always await us.” -Benito Mussolini 10/5/1941
“Until now we used to say that Greeks fight like heroes. Now we shall say heroes fight like Greeks.” -Winston Churchill 1941)
John P. is a former CEO, former TV Show Host, and the Founder and Wizard behind Texas Metal Works. You can find him on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Feel free to send shoutouts, insults, and praise. Or Money. Money is good.
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice practices and we are looking to swap techniques with other folks, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.
Dimitris Magemeneassays
Thank you for taking the time to create this webpage. I just learned about Oxi day today in AHEPA.
My mother, Demitra Pasialis, was born in 1941 in Mavriki. I have often told my children, her grandchildren, how blessed she was to survive; and how none of us would have been born if she hadn’t.
Lessays
Thanks John for being a proud Greek like me.
My grandfather fought the Italians and Germans in WWII being called up 4 times to fight. he recently died here in Melbourne, Australia aged 96. He rarely spoke about it!
All I can say is, Zito i Ellatha! Zito! Our history, heroics and achievements speak for themselves. No words need to be spoken.
Dyann Haritatos Nashtonsays
I recently found an old newspaper photo of my Greek grandfather in the local newspaper when he received word of the safety of his family following the war. I would like to write an updated article for the same newspaper. Do you have the names of anyone I might interview. I am especially interested in the conditions on the Ionian Islands. Many thanks!
Nicksays
Thank you for reminding me why i have to be proud that im Greek.We did everything we could back then with little we had.Unfortunately our joy didnt last after the end of ww2 (civil war).
Thank you for reminding everyone of the 2nd world facts that many Nations have forgotten but History cannot but record the facts. On the coming 28th day of October it is an oportunity for the German Nation to settle its overdue reparations to the Greek Nations who fought so bravely to save the world and in deed Germany from his Tyron. I am one of those alive of the second world War and shall not rest until jutice prevails and Germany settles its debts to the GREEK NATION. THANK YOU
Peppy Kathiyuranisays
thank you for sharing this part of European History with me. Our country, Hellas, that time, honored the purpose of life with the words OXI and AERA. OXI was a big full of strenght NO to be conquered and AERA was the need of AIR to breathe freely. No matter what happens, I will never stop feeling proud of my roots.
jwh123says
Apologies. I should say to the American government (because I can’t believe this is the will of the majority of Americans) over its handling of the Wikileaks cables and their bullying of another Australian citizen.
jwhsays
time to say OXI to the Americans
strat Zaloumessays
Having gone to Greece after the war I ssaw oxi written o0n all the mountain sides of Greece as we drove through. Found out later that I had an uncle who fou8ght during that time ans had a sign of cutting off the ear of the Italian and German soilders that they attack. Spent some time hearing the stories before he died years after the war. It is good to have such a record so well done so that future generations can feel the pride that we older patriots do. yasoo.
Yiorgos Stamatopoulossays
Whenever I am fortunate enough to be exposed to the titnanic struggles & relentless courage in the face of insurmountable odds of the Goliath sized adversary encountered by Greece during the advent of WWII & how this diminutive yet resilient nation would not bow to its might …….. fills me with pride & tears of deep respect for my ancestral heritage. When my father used to mention that Greece played a pivotal role in winning the war for the allies, I would laugh out of sheer ignorance. However, reading quotes from Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt, De Gaul & even Hitler himself, glorifying the bravery & revering the staunch patriotism of Greeces’ fearless resolute stand in WWII swells my heart & drowns my eyes. Thanks for reminding me of the strenght & honour my Hellenic roots.
Konstantine, I was drifted onto John’s blog and was astonished that a Greek living abroad put so much energy and empathy into depicting the Greek contribution to ending the II world war. Then, in the comments I noticed your last name. Do you or your parents originate from Tripolis in Peloponese? Your last name reminds me of the name of a cousin from Tripolis, the late Father Christos Tzimouris. If you see this blog I would appreciate that you let me know at mari_232@hotmail.com REgards, Catherine, Athens, Greece
Elenisays
Thank you for this important reminder! En Touto nika!
I have to say I am proud to be receiving your newsletter almost every single day, cause you are a proud Greek and I think everyone here knows it by now…
Kudos on the post and the detail you’ve put into it!!! I’m glad that more than thousands of people will know more about this great day for our beloved and heroic country through you from today on…
I have to admit I am not a huge history person; as a matter of fact I avoid reading about it. However the information that you wrote about the Greco-Italian War was very interesting. Thanks for sharing
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your
situation; many of us have created some nice practices and we are
looking to swap techniques with other folks, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.
Thank you for taking the time to create this webpage. I just learned about Oxi day today in AHEPA.
My mother, Demitra Pasialis, was born in 1941 in Mavriki. I have often told my children, her grandchildren, how blessed she was to survive; and how none of us would have been born if she hadn’t.
Thanks John for being a proud Greek like me.
My grandfather fought the Italians and Germans in WWII being called up 4 times to fight. he recently died here in Melbourne, Australia aged 96. He rarely spoke about it!
All I can say is, Zito i Ellatha! Zito! Our history, heroics and achievements speak for themselves. No words need to be spoken.
I recently found an old newspaper photo of my Greek grandfather in the local newspaper when he received word of the safety of his family following the war. I would like to write an updated article for the same newspaper. Do you have the names of anyone I might interview. I am especially interested in the conditions on the Ionian Islands. Many thanks!
Thank you for reminding me why i have to be proud that im Greek.We did everything we could back then with little we had.Unfortunately our joy didnt last after the end of ww2 (civil war).
Thank you for reminding everyone of the 2nd world facts that many Nations have forgotten but History cannot but record the facts. On the coming 28th day of October it is an oportunity for the German Nation to settle its overdue reparations to the Greek Nations who fought so bravely to save the world and in deed Germany from his Tyron.
I am one of those alive of the second world War and shall not rest until jutice prevails and Germany settles its debts to the GREEK NATION.
THANK YOU
thank you for sharing this part of European History with me. Our country, Hellas, that time, honored the purpose of life with the words OXI and AERA.
OXI was a big full of strenght NO to be conquered and AERA was the need of AIR to breathe freely.
No matter what happens, I will never stop feeling proud of my roots.
Apologies. I should say to the American government (because I can’t believe this is the will of the majority of Americans) over its handling of the Wikileaks cables and their bullying of another Australian citizen.
time to say OXI to the Americans
Having gone to Greece after the war I ssaw oxi written o0n all the mountain sides of Greece as we drove through. Found out later that I had an uncle who fou8ght during that time ans had a sign of cutting off the ear of the Italian and German soilders that they attack. Spent some time hearing the stories before he died years after the war. It is good to have such a record so well done so that future generations can feel the pride that we older patriots do. yasoo.
Whenever I am fortunate enough to be exposed to the titnanic struggles & relentless courage in the face of insurmountable odds of the Goliath sized adversary encountered by Greece during the advent of WWII & how this diminutive yet resilient nation would not bow to its might …….. fills me with pride & tears of deep respect for my ancestral heritage. When my father used to mention that Greece played a pivotal role in winning the war for the allies, I would laugh out of sheer ignorance. However, reading quotes from Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt, De Gaul & even Hitler himself, glorifying the bravery & revering the staunch patriotism of Greeces’ fearless resolute stand in WWII swells my heart & drowns my eyes. Thanks for reminding me of the strenght & honour my Hellenic roots.
Cheer up. It WILL get better.
Konstantine,
I was drifted onto John’s blog and was astonished that a Greek living abroad put so much energy and empathy into depicting the Greek contribution to ending the II world war.
Then, in the comments I noticed your last name. Do you or your parents originate from
Tripolis in Peloponese? Your last name reminds me of the name of a cousin from Tripolis, the late Father Christos Tzimouris. If you see this blog I would appreciate that you let me know at mari_232@hotmail.com
REgards,
Catherine, Athens, Greece
Thank you for this important reminder! En Touto nika!
I have to say I am proud to be receiving your newsletter almost every single day, cause you are a proud Greek and I think everyone here knows it by now…
Kudos on the post and the detail you’ve put into it!!!
I’m glad that more than thousands of people will know more about this great day for our beloved and heroic country through you from today on…
Keep it up John,
Regards,
Konstantinos
I have to admit I am not a huge history person; as a matter of fact I avoid reading about it. However the information that you wrote about the Greco-Italian War was very interesting. Thanks for sharing