Page 441 - Beholding Liberty!

value; however, their symbolic load is proved strong and emblematic. The Greece of liberation and re-creation, despite the difficulties in structuring a newly-founded state, is optimistic and visualizes the completion of the Greek nation regeneration. The Greek veterans
of the 1820s emerge by now not amidst calamities, but joyful and victorious. The graceful image of the Greeks leaves its imprint even on games of the time, meant for the entertainment
of the European public.
In 1838 the 25th of March
is institutionalized by a royal decree of Otto as official anniversary
of the Greek Revolution.
New praises of the Struggle,
in gereral, follow, and more precisely of the 25th March 1821, as a day
of double celebration, national
and religious, which symbolizes
the Annunciation of Greece
and the Greek Regeneration.
However, already earlier on,
the 25th of March had been established in the collective consciousness and historical memory as a landmark date for the beginning of the Struggle
for Independence.
Today, two centuries later, we behold with gratitude, respect and a sense
of responsibility the asset of Liberty, offspring and conquest
of the Revolution of 1821.
Epilogue
Farewell to arms
441