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| Presidential Guard (Greece) | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Presidential Guard |
| Native name | Προεδρική Φρουρά |
| Country | Greece |
| Branch | Hellenic Army |
| Type | Honor guard |
| Role | Ceremonial protection |
| Size | Company |
| Garrison | Athens |
| Nickname | Evzones |
Presidential Guard (Greece) is the elite ceremonial unit of the Hellenic Army responsible for guarding the Presidential Mansion (Athens), the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Athens), and performing state ceremonial duties in Athens. Instituted in the aftermath of the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922) and reshaped during the period of the Second Hellenic Republic and the Restoration of the Hellenic Republic, the unit embodies modern Greek War of Independence memory, King Otto of Greece heritage, and republican traditions associated with figures like Eleftherios Venizelos and Georgios Papandreou. The corps combines elements from historical formations such as the Evzones, the Hellenic Army Academy, and guards linked to the Megali Idea era.
The formation traces to the 19th century under Ioannis Kapodistrias and the establishment of the royal palace guards during the reign of King George I of Greece, influenced by military models from France and Britain. The Evzone legacy is tied to campaigns like the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), the Battle of Bizani, and the Capture of Ioannina (1913), when light infantry units gained renown. During the Asia Minor Campaign the unit saw reorganization; subsequent political shifts under leaders such as Constantine I of Greece, Georgios Kondylis, and Ioannis Metaxas affected status and insignia. Post-World War II reconstruction under Konstantinos Karamanlis and the restoration after the Greek military junta of 1967–1974 redefined ceremonial roles alongside state events like the 1974 plebiscite and accession to the European Economic Community. The Guard participated in national commemorations including Ohi Day, Independence Day (Greece), and ceremonies for presidents such as Konstantinos Tsatsos and Kostas Simitis.
Organizationally the unit is a company-sized element within the Hellenic Army General Staff chain, interacting with institutions like the Presidential Secretariat (Greece), the Hellenic Police, and the Ministry of National Defence (Greece). Subunits reflect historical companies named after battles such as Vardar Offensive and regions like Macedonia (Greece), with platoons trained at facilities connected to the Hellenic Army Academy (Evelpidon) and coordinated with Athens garrison commands. Command posts rotate among officers who have served in formations including the 1st Infantry Division (Greece) and the III Army Corps (Greece). Administrative oversight involves collaboration with agencies such as the Hellenic National Defence General Staff and the President of the Hellenic Republic.
The Guard’s uniform is based on traditional Evzone attire credited to designers influenced by Colonel Fabvier and 19th-century Greek military fashion from Piraeus and Kifissia. Distinctive elements include the foustanella linked to textile traditions of Epirus and Peloponnese, the tsarouchia shoes bearing pompons associated with mountain fighters of the Montenegro and Epirus regions, and the pharion cap reminiscent of uniforms used in ceremonies for King Otto of Greece. The dress kit incorporates insignia referencing the Byzantine Empire, the emblem of the Hellenic Republic, and medals analogous to awards like the Order of the Redeemer. Standard-issue ceremonial rifles reflect patterns used historically by the Hellenic Army, paralleling models seen in collections at the Hellenic National Defense General Staff Museum.
Primary duties encompass safeguarding the Presidential Mansion (Athens), sentinel rotations at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Athens), and mounting honors during visits by heads of state from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Italy, and Spain. The unit performs at national events including parades on Syntagma Square, state funerals for figures like Constantine Karamanlis and Andreas Papandreou, and receptions for delegations to forums like the United Nations General Assembly and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Ceremonies often involve collaboration with cultural institutions such as the National Theatre of Greece and music from ensembles like the Hellenic Army Band.
Recruitment follows conscription obligations under legislation governed by the Hellenic Parliament and screening through commands associated with the Ministry of National Defence (Greece). Candidates are drawn from units such as the Evzones battalions and graduate from programs at the Hellenic Army Academy (Evelpidon), undergoing drill instruction influenced by tactics from historic campaigns including the Greco-Italian War and crowd-control protocols coordinated with the Hellenic Police. Training emphasizes ceremonial drill procedures seen in museums such as the War Museum (Athens), physical conditioning referencing mountain warfare manuals, and historical education covering figures like Theodoros Kolokotronis and events like the Siege of Missolonghi.
The unit has been involved in high-profile incidents including protest-related confrontations near Syntagma Square during demonstrations against austerity measures associated with governments such as those of Lucas Papademos and Alexis Tsipras. Controversies touched on disputes over uniforms and heritage during debates involving historians from institutions like the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and politicians including Antonis Samaras and George Papandreou. Security breaches at ceremonies have prompted inquiries by parliamentary committees and reforms linked to the Ministry of Citizen Protection (Greece).
Culturally the Guard symbolizes continuity with revolutionary icons like Rigas Feraios and literary figures such as Dionysios Solomos; it is depicted in art in galleries including the National Gallery (Athens), in films by Greek directors associated with the Greek New Wave cinema, and in works by painters from movements tied to Romanticism in Europe. The unit influences tourism circuits featuring sites such as the Acropolis of Athens and the Plaka neighborhood, appears in philatelic issues by the Hellenic Post and on commemorative coins issued by the Bank of Greece, and is referenced in popular music connected to festivals in Thessaloniki and cultural programming at the Athens Festival.
Category:Military units and formations of Greece