Sculptor: Christos Mellios, Architect: Nikos Papakostas
The resistance against fascism and the occupying forces emerged from the very beginning of the Occupation through spontaneous individual actions. Soon, resistance organizations were established with the goal of liberating the country, the most significant being EAM, ELAS, EDES, EKKA, PEAN, MIDAS 614, EPON, and many others across the nation. Men, women, youth, civil servants, workers, students, veterans from the Albanian front, and ordinary citizens all contributed to this effort.
The resistance took various forms in both urban centres and rural areas, including strikes, demonstrations, graffiti, and the distribution of leaflets. At the same time, networks for espionage and active resistance developed, engaging in sabotage, bombings, ambushes, and guerrilla warfare. They also provided support and shelter for allies, gathered and transmitted information abroad, and conducted military operations. This heroic and effective struggle came at a heavy cost, resulting in arrests, torture, executions, and massacres of innocent civilians as acts of retaliation.
The significance of the Greek Resistance is profound, demonstrating to the world that even when the occupiers appeared invincible, a small nation could unite in collective resistance with remarkable success, courage, and self-sacrifice.
The Monument of National Resistance is the outcome of a nationwide artistic competition organized by the City of Athens in 1985. It was completed in 1988. In addition to honouring “those who did not survive,” the monument symbolizes “the eternal resistance of the Greek Nation not only against fascism but also against any threat to our national integrity. It further represents the steadfast struggle of our people for Peace, Freedom, and National Independence” (Announcement for the artistic competition to create the National Resistance Monument in the square of the Third Cemetery, March 1985).