First ever commemorative services for the Armistice of Mudros in Melbourne and Greece

The Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee is organizing a commemorative service for the signing of the Mudros Armistice which it's the hundredth anniversary. Lee Tarlamis OAM, president of the Melbourne-based committee, talks to SBS Greek

Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee president Lee Tarlamis Source: SBS Greek

Many people are aware of the Remembrance Day commemorations on the 11th of November but not many know, that on the 30th of October 1918, the first armistice was signed in Mudros on board the HMS ‘Agamemnon’. 

This date, marks the beginning of the end of the First World War when the Ottoman Empire surrendered to the Allied Forces. The armistice, took effect on the 31st of October at noon.

Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne Source: SBS Greek

One century on, on Wednesday October 31st, the first ever commemorative service will take place at the Shrine of Remembrance, in Melbourne.

"We're happy to be able to announce that we have secured an agreement with the Shrine and this will become an annual event", Mr. Tarlamis told SBS Greek. 

At 10:30am in the Education Centre of the Shrine, historian and Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee secretary, Jim Claven will explain the history of the Mudros Armistice.

At 11:30 am, there will be an assembly outside the Shrine and procession into the sanctuary and at 11:45am the wreath laying and a commemorative service will commence.

Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee president Lee Tarlamis (R) with Hellenic RSL president, Steve Kyritsis Source: SBS Greek

"This a very significant occasion and it's very important that for the first time there will be a commemorative event. Another event and servivce, will also take place in the Greek island of Lemnos," said Mr. Tarlamis.  

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