footage was recorde<\/a>d on Saturday afternoon at the Acropolis, in front of dozens of Greek and international visitors. After users shared the video online, several criticised the soldiers\u2019 overall appearance and preparation.<\/p>\nThe military detail appears in camouflage uniforms, berets and carrying weapons. The soldiers do not maintain the same pace, while the distances between them vary considerably.<\/p>\n
Many users considered the appearance inconsistent with the importance of the duty and the symbolism of the location.<\/p>\n
The footage circulated widely on X and other social media platforms, prompting questions about the training and preparation of the particular military detail.<\/p>\n
However, the short video does not establish with certainty whether the soldiers had already entered the formal part of the ceremony or were simply moving towards the flagpole.<\/p>\n
That distinction matters because the formation and marching pace of a military detail while moving towards a ceremonial position can differ from the procedures followed once the official ceremony begins.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the appearance of the group in front of Acropolis visitors was enough to trigger a wave of critical and, in some cases, sarcastic comments.<\/p>\n
\u201cKindergarten Had Better Marching\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nMost of the online criticism focused on the lack of a coordinated pace, the uneven distances between soldiers and the group\u2019s overall appearance.<\/p>\n
Some users described the march as resembling a \u201cdisbanded demonstration,\u201d while others wrote, \u201cWe marched better in kindergarten.\u201d<\/p>\n
Others called the incident an \u201cinternational embarrassment\u201d, pointing to the fact that it occurred at one of the world\u2019s most visited archaeological sites.<\/p>\n
One user directly addressed Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, writing: \u201cThis image needs to be fixed yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other users called for an examination of whether the prescribed procedures had been followed, which military unit had undertaken the duty and who had responsibility for training and supervising the personnel.<\/p>\n
Some comments, however, also crossed into personal insults and disparaging remarks directed at the soldiers themselves.<\/p>\n
Who Handles the Acropolis Flag Ceremony?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nThe raising and lowering of the Greek flag at the Acropolis carries particular national and historical significance. Different military units undertake the ceremonial duty depending on the day.<\/p>\n
On Sundays and official public holidays, the Presidential Guard performs the duty. The country\u2019s senior ceremonial guard operates under the Military Office of the Presidency of the Republic and consists of volunteer infantry personnel.<\/p>\n
The ceremony takes on an even more formal character during national commemorations. On March 25, for example, the flag-lowering ceremony takes place at a designated time and includes a 21-gun salute from the Lycabettus artillery position.<\/p>\n
On other days, when the Presidential Guard does not perform the duty, personnel from the Hellenic Army handle the daily raising and lowering of the flag.<\/p>\n
No Official Response So Far<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nThe video has also prompted questions about which military unit appears in the footage and whether the group had already formed up for the flag-lowering ceremony or was simply moving towards the location.<\/p>\n
No official response has so far been issued regarding the footage.<\/p>\n
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