Toronto City Hall Greek Flag Raising Event Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of

the World War II Battle of Crete, Greece on Thursday May 19, 2016 at 5:30 PM
The Cretans Association of Toronto KNOSSOS (www.cretans.ca) in collaboration with the Greek Community of Toronto and
with Toronto City Councillor Mary Fragedakis are pleased to invite you to our flag raising ceremony commemorating the 75th
anniversary of the World War II Battle of Crete at Toronto City Hall on May 19th at 5:30 PM.
The battle began on the morning of May 20, 1941, when Nazi Germany began an airborne invasion of Crete. Greek forces along
with Allied forces from Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, along with Cretan civilians, defended the island.
The Battle of Crete was the first battle where Fallschirmjger (German paratroops) were used en masse, the first mainly
airborne invasion in military history, the first time the Allies made significant use of intelligence from the decrypted German
messages from the Enigma machine and the first time German troops encountered mass resistance from a civilian population.
Many historians of the world have called it a decisive battle some even say it changed the course of the war. The invasion of
Crete cost Hitler more troops than any other single battle in Europe and all of the war combined up to that point. This was a
testament to the defenders of Crete. To the villagers and townspeople that resist against the brutality of the fascists in
defense of their freedom.
In commemoration of the battle we will be raising the Greek flag at Toronto City Hall on Thursday May 19th at 5:30 PM followed
by a wine and cheese reception at nearby restaurant, Estiatorio Volos at 133 Richmond Street West, Toronto, where we will be
featuring an exhibit of exclusive photos of the Battle of Crete and where Canadian Armed Forces military historian, Colonel
Bernd Horn will speak about the significance of the Battle.
For over 55 years, the Cretans Association of Toronto KNOSSOS mission has been to promote and preserve Cretan heritage,
culture and history in the Greater Toronto area and we will be incredibly honored to have you help commemorating this
historic battle at Toronto City Hall.

Sincerely,

Tony Lourakis
President
Cretans Association of Toronto KNOSSOS