First World War in the Balkans: 1915-2015

On November 9th, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Centre for Hellenic Studies, in collaboration with the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught's Own), the Alliance Française, and the Winston Churchill Society of BC, presented an evening of remembrance in commemoration of the centenary of the arrival of the First World War to Northern Greece and Gallipoli. The event took place at the historic Beatty Street Drill Hall in downtown Vancouver in front of a capacity crowd.

The evening of literary readings and music featured the Founding Artistic Director of Bard on the Beach, Christopher Gaze, who read selections from the Greek author Stratis Myrivilis, Robert Graves, and Robert Service. The literary programme was followed by a wreath laying ceremony, where erstwhile enemies and present-day allies honoured the human cost of the conflict. We were privileged to have the participation of members of the Vancouver consular corps; the Deputy Consul of France, the Consul General of Greece, the Consul General of Italy, the Honorary Consul of Serbia, and the Vice Consul and Consul General of Turkey. We were also very honoured to have His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Canada in attendance. The United Kingdom was represented by Lieutenant James Norman from the British Army's Scottish and Northern Irish Yeomanry, while Canada was represented by the Commanding Officer of the BC Regiment, Major D.C. Evans.

The event concluded with the traditional moment of silence and a moving rendition of "The Flowers of the Forest" on the bagpipe. Guests were invited for a brief reception in the Officer's Mess following the evening's programme.