The Greek Polytechnic uprising

Today at school we commemorated the anniversary of the student uprising at the Polytechnic School of Athens in 1973. The student uprising was an act of resistance against the military dictatorship, and therefore a symbol of resistance to tyranny.

The 5th Grade had prepared some sketches and our school choir sang. It was a nice, modest commemoration.

Towards the end, when we stood up and started to sing our national anthem, I couldn' t help thinking that a nation' s anthem is indicative of its history. Compare the following two anthems. What do they tell you about each country?

GREEK ANTHEM lyrics
HYMN TO LIBERTY
I shall always recognise you
By the dreadful sword you hold,
As the earth, with searching vision,
You survey, with spirit bold.

'Twas the Greeks of old whose dying
Brought to birth our spirit free.
Now, with ancient valour rising,
Let us hail you, oh Liberty!
Now, with ancient valour rising,
Let us hail you, oh Liberty!
Now, with ancient valour rising,
Let us hail you, oh Liberty!

ENGLISH ANTHEM lyrics

God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen:
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen...  

For the history, lyrics and music of many more national anthems click here .