Independence Day

Today was a national holiday in Greece to celebrate the Greek's independence from the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821. The main event was a military parade through downtown Athens. Since we had the day off of work we made our way downtown to enjoy the festivities.

Fighter jets and attack helicopters flew overhead but this troop transport helicopter was the only one slow enough for us to catch.

There were various marching bands for each branch of the military. The conductor in this group was the most entertaining as he threw his baton in the air.

Greece's version of the Navy Seals (we think...). Notice that they are marching in full scuba gear (very Greek).

Firefighters

We saw many young Greek boys dressed in the traditional National Guard uniform.

We think this young boy will be the next Greek movie star because he loved all the tourists sneaking a picture of him.