OXI! Day, the 28th Oct 1940 was when Greece rejected the Italian ultimatum and was plunged into ten years of vicious war against the fascists and nazis and then a bloody civil war. I would like to present three songs here to honour the female singers who gave such hope to troops and civilians alike, and a sad epilogue from a child whose father had perished in this war.
Since this is the anniversary of OXI! day, the first song is a very sad one by Sophia Vembo, lamenting on how Greece was short changed despite the heroism this little country showed against the barbaric onslaught. It is called, Courage Greece, courage in the face of being abandoned and maligned by former allies and is extremely fitting for today.
The second is the well known Vera Lynn song, “We’ll meet again” that needs no introduction, but should draw to mind the sacrifices of the ordinary British soldier in the ranks giving his life for a better world.
And finally, the bitter “Does anyone remember Vera Lynn?” by Pink Floyd that needs no introduction but is very apt today for the whole of Europe. Does anyone remember what was being fought for? Does anyone remember the human values we were defending? And does anyone remember who was supposed to have “won”? The writing on the wall says it all.
