Today is "Oxi Day". It's not a holiday in the United States, but it is a notable day in the history of Greece. Why is it important ... In 1940 Italy under the control of Benito Mussolini demanded that Greece accept occupation by the Italian Army. Greece was given until October 28 1940 to accept the demand, or go to war.
Italy had a large, well equipped Army and was opposed by a very small, poorly equipped army that had no experience in modern war. Although it looked liked a given, that the Greeks would cave in and allow the Italians to cross their border at 3 AM the Prime Minister of Greece gave the Italian ambassador a one word answer. "Oxi" which means NO.
In the face of overwhelming odds the Greeks fought the Italians to a standstill and even drove them back from the frontier. It took the German Army, coming to the aid of the Italians to win that little war, an effort that diverted a bunch of divisions that were scheduled to invade Russia. A small country, peopled by those who wanted self determination rather than obedience to f foreign force had an impact that is meaningful today.
Determination, belief in self and a willingness to take on an overwhelming force is something to be reckoned with. Our politicians need to remember that as they try to change our society against the will of the many.
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