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What life was like during the Greek military junta

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acamp7

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The junta was a strong military dictatorship in the late 60's and early 70's in Greece. This was a very dark period for many Greeks, especially those who were socialist, communist, or anything leaning towards the left. The government also targeted anyone who was against the brutal dictatorship, even if they were not politically left leaning. These people would be hunted down by the military and locked up in jail or beaten or even killed. After the junta was dissolved, a democracy was established in Greece.
 
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I first went to Greece in July, 1974, mere days after the junta was overthrown. Only three of us exited the international flight in Athens; everyone else had departed in Rome. I will never forget the jubilance that permeated the air. People flocked to the outdoor cafes and exclaimed that they were finally able to speak freely. I will also never forget the Greek tradition of φιλότιμο (hard to define: incredible hospitality, the honor of treating someone as you would wish to be treated) that was extended to me then and also, to this very day. How easy it is to forget the lessons of history, but thank God for traditions like «φιλότιμο» that manage to survive no matter who’s in power or what’s going on in the world!
 
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Deborah said:
I first went to Greece in July, 1974, mere days after the junta was overthrown. Only three of us exited the international flight in Athens; everyone else had departed in Rome. I will never forget the jubilance that permeated the air. People flocked to the outdoor cafes and exclaimed that they were finally able to speak freely. I will also never forget the Greek tradition of φιλότιμο (hard to define: incredible hospitality, the honor of treating someone as you would wish to be treated) that was extended to me then and also, to this very day. How easy it is to forget the lessons of history, but thank God for traditions like «φιλότιμο» that manage to survive no matter who’s in power or what’s going on in the world!
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Very eerie. We have much to learn from out history. I'm glad you got to experience the joy from Greek directly after
 
Deborah said:
I first went to Greece in July, 1974, mere days after the junta was overthrown. Only three of us exited the international flight in Athens; everyone else had departed in Rome. I will never forget the jubilance that permeated the air. People flocked to the outdoor cafes and exclaimed that they were finally able to speak freely. I will also never forget the Greek tradition of φιλότιμο (hard to define: incredible hospitality, the honor of treating someone as you would wish to be treated) that was extended to me then and also, to this very day. How easy it is to forget the lessons of history, but thank God for traditions like «φιλότιμο» that manage to survive no matter who’s in power or what’s going on in the world!
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Fascinating that you were a witness to history like this. The Junta sounds like a brutal situation.
 
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