A life in the shadow of war: Farewell to Antonios Alexandris

A life in the shadow of war: Farewell to Antonios Alexandris

With the death of Antonis Alexandris, an important personality has passed who left the light of day at the age of 102. Alexandris was a survivor of the horrors of the Second World War and left a lasting impression on the island of Lesbos.

born in 1922 in the small village of Skoutaro on the northern peninsula Lesbos, he experienced the horrors of the crew in Greece. During the Nazianis occupied his homeland and was held in the prisoner of war of Paul Melas near Thessaloniki. Later the "detained number 8425" was brought to the notorious Stein Krems and Bernau camp, where he spent many deputious years.

a life in the memories

Up to the Covid 19 pandemic, Alexandris was a well-known figure at the official celebrations on Lesbos. Every year he opened the parades to proudly wear the banner of the war victims and the disabled. At the last parade in which he took part in October 28, 2019, he was given the honor of being accompanied directly by the then mayor Stratis Kytelis and the regional president of the northern Aegean area, Kostas Moutsouris.

"There were so many of us. We fought for the flag and the fatherland. Now I'm alone," said Alexandris in an interview and looked melancholy at the changed society in which he lived. Many impressed his conviction and resistance. Despite the grief and the difficult times he had lived through, he kept his humor and joie de vivre.

When asked how he managed to live for so long, he replied with a smile: "Death is now my friend. We met so often." Among other things, he told of his little joys in life, such as a glass of Ouzo, which he occasionally enjoyed. "I never smoked, but a few okuzos in my life had never harmed me," he said with a laugh and encouraged others to enjoy life as long as they could.

This question of the importance of life and the memories of past fights accompanied Alexandris to the end. At the end of his life, he wants a respectful farewell to the souls of the fallen. He asked for two young people to wear the banner at the next parade to honor the memory of all those who had given their lives for the fatherland.

"If I'm no longer there, you should wear the banner and let the souls of all rest," said Alexandris. His voice will continue to live in Lesbo's thoughts and hearts, while the island keeps its irresistible will and its determination in memory.

The background and the life of this remarkable person are the subject of numerous discussions and commemorate in the region, which remembers his tireless attitude and deep respect for those who suffered from the horrors of war. These stories not only testify to personal survival, but also from a collective memory that deserves to be preserved.

For those who want to learn more about his life, a comprehensive consideration on myportal.gr to be found.