Residents, government officials and church dignitaries joined together to mark the 68th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, and the significant Battle of Kopsa fought in the Anopoli area.

The ceremonies were held at the Holy Church of the Prophet Ilia in Anopoli, just several hundred meters from the site of the actual fighting.

This event began at 08.30 with a holy liturgy and a commemorative prayer attended by The Right Reverend Archbishop of Crete Irineos and other church dignitaries, including the parish priests from Gouves, Gournes and Kokkini Hani.

Representing local and national government were Gouves Mayor Yiorgos Nikolakakis and several local councilmen; Iraklion Members of Parliament Maria Skrafnaki, Manolis Stratakis and Yiannis Skoulas; former Iraklion Prefect Dimitris Sarris and many others.

Following introductory speeches, various dignitaries and guests placed wreaths at the memorial monument. Among those honoring the fallen were Admiral Yiorgos Haritakis, son of fallen soldier Yiannis Haritakis; Alexandros Andreadakis, brother of fallen Orestis Andreadaki; Stelios Kiriakakis, a surviving soldier at the Battle of Kopsa and many others.

Mistress of ceremonies for the event was Katerina Vitoulathiti, president of the cultural association of Anopolis.

Also on exhibit were actual photographs from the Battle of Crete, donated from various archives and in association with the Iraklion Historical Museum.