Changing of the Guards, Athens Greece
While in Athens, we were happy to find there are several things to do that are free. One of the things we found was not only free, but is also an important part of the Hellenic military history. Not far from the Acropolis, just off of one of the main squares, is the Governments Parliament building. In front of the Parliament is the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”. A simple and powerful stone wall monument with a relief of a fallen man. Every hour, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year they perform this routine. It has become quite a tourist attraction and tour buses queue up behind each other while hoards of gawking tourists with cameras in their hands and matching tour bus stickers plastered to their chests pour out and fill the open space in front of the tomb – like excited and aggressive ticket holders rushing the stage and elbowing each other for a better view at a free Rolling Stones concert!
Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a voluntary six month post, and all those soldiers who perform this duty are the best of what they do. It’s an honorable and highly prized and respected post to man. The top soldiers watching over the marker that honors the memory of their comrades and family who have died in service to their country. Except for the ceremonious hourly guard change, they stand facing forward at full attention. They don’t move, they don’t shift their weight from foot to foot, they don’t sneeze – I don’t even think they blink! It was really a shame to watch tourists walk up and stand next to these soldiers, getting their photos taken like they are at Disney World and are getting their photo taken next to Donald Duck, Mickey or Goofy . . . . . goofy indeed. I’m surprised that the tourists were allowed to do this. I guess everything is a tourist attraction nowadays, right?
This is an honorable tradition that numerous countries across the globe do. To honor the dead of those who chose to serve and who ultimately died while in service to their country. When I see a monument such as the Tomb of an Unknown Soldier, I like to think not only of that countries fallen, but the fallen from every war, conflict, police action, occupation, illegal occupation, invasion, retaliation, revolution or coup.
Regardless of ones view of politics, war, democracy, socialism, communism (or any of the other -isms out there), it is a powerful monument that should be on any itinerary, and seen wherever possible.
There are two inscriptions on the monument from Thucydides, a 4th Century BC historian:
“… and one bed is carried empty, made for the unknown ones”
“For eminent men, every place is a worthy burial ground”
Themocracy
Hmm…I think you are having way too much fun! Want to see a pic of Irish pub and those cute Washingtonians!