Yesterday, May 21, there were celebrations commemorating 73 years since the Battle of Crete, during World War II. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras visited the island in honour of the fallen heroes, and made special reference to the Cretan resistance against Nazi rule and the high price paid by the island population during the German occupation of the island at WWII. The premier also spoke about Crete island's growth prospects, noting that "the engines of the economy are all fired up."

The Battle began on the morning of May 21 1941, when Nazi Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete under the code-name "Operation Mercury." Greek and Allied forces (United Kingdom and British Commonwealth troops from Australia and New Zealand- ANZAC), defended the island. Resistance by local forces and the ANZAC troops was strong; however, after ten days of reciprocal assaults and war atrocities, the Germans established a victory, yet at a devastating cost.

See also Greek News Agenda: 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete: "Lest We Forget"