Οχι Day

Thursday, October 28^th was Οχι (No) day for Greek communities all over the world. The day represents supports the response of the Greek PM, Metaxas, to Mussolini when faced with the decision of whether or not to allow Axis troops into the country during World War II. His response was simply, “Ohi”, and in a matter of hours, Italian troops moved in on the country from Albania forcing Greece to defend itself and drawing the nation into actively participating in WWII.

Nicosia hosted a parade to commemorate the event that followed a route along the outside of the city walls with school children from the surrounding area marching with the Greek and Cypriot flags side by side. Although Cyprus was not a Greek island at the time of World War II, sentiment for “enosis” (a term that means seeking union with Greece) ran high in many Greek Cypriots. In my opinion, the student march would have been more appropriate on Independence day, and the military parade, if it must occur, would have been better on this day.