An emblematic series of radio documentaries of SKAI 100.3, on the subject of the multifaceted, historical, epic of the ’40s is being revived and is available through the website https://www.skai.gr/tags/afieroma-28i-oktovriou from October 23. The series is signed by Aris Portosalte, who talks to important contemporary historians, analysts and internationalists, describing events of the time, which unfolded in Greece and Europe during the Second World War.

In the series, historians describe, analyze and comment: Thanos Veremis, Evanthis Chatzivasileiou, Iakovos Michaelidis, Angelos Syrigos, Konstantina Botsiou, Marina Petraki, Vangelis Drakopoulos and Ioannis Papafloratos, jurist – internationalist and professor of Military Schools.

In this peculiar “wedding”, where the radio is heard again via the internet, online visitors will have the opportunity to listen, again, to episodes of this interesting series of radio documentaries of SKAI 100.3, which includes the following tributes:

• October 28, 1940: How it was established as a national holiday

On October 28, 1941, Athenian citizens spontaneously flocked to the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, placing flowers on the monument to commemorate the historic “NO” and the war dead. An act of resistance, a celebration established by society and not by the state.

• October 28, 1940: The people at war, the people’s war

A few months before the Italian attack on Greece, almost all of Europe has capitulated or retreated to the Axis. On Monday, October 28, 1940, Greece says the historic “NO” and is on the brink of World War II. With the Italian attack, the Greek people organize themselves for the defense of the homeland, Greece goes from neutrality to war resistance, the condition for success is present: the popular mood at the time of war coincides with the state mood.

• October 28, 1940: Ioannis Metaxas – Benito Mussolini

The personalities of Ioannis Metaxas and Benito Mussolini. Metaxas prepared Greece for its most critical battle, while Benito Mussolini succeeds in becoming the leader of his people, discovers and creates fascism.

• October 28, 1940: The Spring Offensive on the Pindos Mountains and Hill 731

The winter of 1940-1941 finds Greek forces fighting back in Albanian territory, despite the hardships of war and lack of supplies. With determination, the soldiers occupy Koritsa and Argyrokastro, advancing through the cold and snow. In March 1941, the spring offensive of the Italians focuses on heights 731 and 717, where the Greeks repulse 18 attacks, turning height 731 into a symbol of resistance.

• October 28, 1940: Ioannis Metaxas and Nikos Zachariadis

The governor of Greece, the dictator Ioannis Metaxas on one side and Nikos Zachariadis, the Secretary of the Communist Party of Greece, on the other. Two ideologically opposed personalities, whose politics, at the specific moment, produced a political result, national unity.

• October 28, 1940: Europe and the Second World War

The outbreak of war in 1939 finds the West having lost its momentum due to the collapse of its economic system in the crisis of 1929. Hitler has shown his intentions as early as the integration of Austria and Czechoslovakia. And Italy is looking for vital space, but is still not making a move because it is preparing. The first real military operation takes place in April 1940, when the Germans invade Norway. From there, the war begins all over Europe…

• October 28, 1940: The Soul of Greece at the first light of the war

Through the narration of the diary of Giorgos Theotokas, on the day of October 28, 1940, we are “transported” to Greece, which wakes up to the sound of bells, announcing the declaration of war. The people, despite the surprise, fill the streets with enthusiasm and pride, while the soldiers leave for the front with cheers. In the first battles on the Greek-Albanian border, the Greek forces resist strongly, slowing the Italian advance.

This valuable archival material, which captures important points in the history of the Greek nation, will soon be available as a podcast on skai.gr for fans of the genre. Together with the other radio documentaries of SKAI 100.3, it will further enrich the content of the website.

With the support of PPC.