Honouring the Laconian Heroes of 1940: A Tribute to Courage and Sacrifice

"These forgotten heroes of Laconia deserve to be celebrated, their stories brought back from the shadows of history." 

– Georgia Kakourou-Chroni

 At the end of this article, watch the YouTube video of the entire event, duration of 2 hours and 25 minutes

In a moving tribute to the Laconian soldiers who fought and fell during the Greco-Italian War, an event titled "The Laconians in the Epic of 1940" was held on Saturday, 19 October 2024, at the Laconian Poets’ Hall in Sparti. Organised by the Historical Society of Sparti in collaboration with the Peloponnese Region, the event attracted a large and enthusiastic audience, celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of Laconian heroes during one of Greece’s most pivotal moments in history.

The evening was brought to life with historical re-enactments by members of the Greek Army 1940 Re-enactment Team and the Presidential Guard Evzones Society, who appeared in authentic uniforms from the period. The presence of these costumed participants gave the audience a vivid glimpse into the past. A small exhibition of military artefacts from the era further enriched the experience, creating an atmosphere of respect and nostalgia.

Elena Tzikakou, folklorist and member of the Historical Society of Sparti, hosted the event, guiding attendees through a series of powerful speeches that recounted the events of the Greco-Italian War, particularly from the Laconian perspective. The keynote speakers highlighted little-known stories of heroism and sacrifice, bringing to light previously unpublished historical records and photographs.

"The war brought extraordinary courage from ordinary people," said Apostolos Brentas, who detailed the mobilisation in Laconia and the return of the soldiers after the battle. His talk focused on the emotional and physical toll the conflict took on the community.

Markos Andreou's presentation on the military preparations before 28 October 1940 was accompanied by an in-depth analysis of the uniform and weaponry of the Greek soldiers. His portrayal of the everyday soldier’s resilience was echoed by other speakers, such as Georgia Kakourou-Chroni, who shared the heart-wrenching tale of Sarantos Zarafonitis, a Laconian hero whose body was returned to his homeland after he perished in battle.

Andreas Papathanassopoulos recounted the story of Sub-Lieutenant Evangelos Giannaris, the first officer to fall in the epic of 1940. "These stories remind us that history is not just about dates and battles, but about people who gave their lives for freedom," he said.

In another compelling account, Panagiotis Lalousis highlighted the crucial role played by the province of Epidavros Limira in the war effort, while Nikos Gavrilakis delved into the stories of Laconian Evzones—elite soldiers renowned for their discipline and bravery.

Tzikakou’s poignant closing talk focused on the 1940 epic through the lens of Maniot mourning laments, intertwining history with the rich oral tradition of the region.

At the conclusion of the event, the President of the Historical Society, Elias Pergantis, called for the annual commemoration of the Laconian heroes of 1940, with each year featuring a new theme to continue shedding light on different facets of the war. He also proposed the creation of a Pan-Laconian monument to honour those who fell in the Greco-Italian War, ideally placed in the courtyard of the Laconia Regional Headquarters.

Attendees were given a special commemorative newspaper summarising the evening’s talks and including, for the first time, a complete list of the Laconian soldiers who died on the Albanian front, with their birth and death details. "This is a tribute long overdue," Pergantis noted, adding, "We owe it to our ancestors to remember their sacrifice and ensure their legacy endures for generations to come."

Watch the event on YouTube

Click on the icon below to watch the full event titled "The Laconians in the Epic of 1940", co-organised by the Historical Society of Sparti and the Region of Peloponnese. The video, with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes, is a heartfelt tribute to the courage of Laconian Greeks during World War II. It explores personal stories and historical accounts, shedding light on Laconia’s vital role in Greece’s resistance against the Axis forces in 1940-1941. Focusing on sacrifice and resilience, this commemorative presentation honours the region’s remarkable contribution to the nation’s defence. Watch the full commemoration below: