March 7, 1948 – Kalymnos commemorates the historic anniversary
Kalymnos will celebrate with solemnity the 78th anniversary of the Union of the Dodecanese with Greece, honoring the struggles and sacrifices of those who preserved national identity and kept alive the flame of freedom during the years of occupation.
The commemorative events will take place on March 6 and 7, 2026, including flag decorations, memorial services, wreath-laying ceremonies, student parades and cultural performances.
General Flag Decoration – Illumination
From 8:00 a.m. on March 5 until sunset on March 7, 2026, all public and municipal buildings, legal entities, banks, private shops, residences and docked vessels will be decorated with the national flag.
Public buildings and banks will be illuminated during the evenings of March 6 and 7.
Friday, March 6, 2026
Events will begin at 09:30 a.m. with a memorial service at the Fallen Soldiers’ Monument in Vathy, attended by students and local authorities. Wreaths will be laid, followed by a speech and a student parade.
At 11:00 a.m., commemorative events and speeches will be held in all primary and secondary schools.
At 12:00 p.m., wreaths will be laid at the statue of Skevos Zervos by students, scouts, associations and local organizations.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
The anniversary day will commence at 08:00 a.m. with the official flag-raising ceremony at the Regional Unit building, attended by a guard of honor from the 5/42 Evzones Regiment “Delvinaki” and the Municipal Philharmonic Band.
At 10:30 a.m., a doxology service will be held at the Metropolitan Church of Christ the Savior.
At 11:00 a.m., a memorial service, the official commemorative address and wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Heroes’ Monument in the central square.
The grand parade will follow at 11:30 a.m., featuring the Municipal Band, cultural and athletic associations, scouts, students, cadets of the Merchant Marine Academy, representatives of the Hellenic Coast Guard and military units of the 5/42 Evzones Regiment.
After the parade, the Lyceum of Greek Women will present traditional dances and songs from the Dodecanese.
At 18:00, the official flag-lowering ceremony will be held, and at 19:00 the Reading Society “AI MOUSAI” will host a lecture by Dr. Theofanis Malkidis titled: “The Dodecanese from Occupation to Union: The Long Road to Freedom.”
