The Changing of the Evzones Guard

Snow and Sleet, The Changing of the Evzones Guard in Athens Continues.
Ever since 1868 members of the Greek Presidential Guard
have been protecting and serving the people of Greece, standing guard at important sites,
in Greece’s history the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Evzones are also responsible for raising the flag every day at the Acropolis,
as well as representing Greece in military parades both at home and abroad.
The guards wear traditional uniforms that include the white foustanella,
a skirt made up of 400 pleats that represent each year Greeks were under Ottoman occupation
and red leather clogs, or tsarouhia, which weigh seven pounds.

The uniform is so intricate that two soldiers are required to dress one guard.
Evzones undergo a strenuous training before being selected to serve in this battalion. They must be prepared to raise their legs to shoulder height as they marche and to stand motionless for over 100 hours a month.

Once in place, if the temperature drops, they are dressed with a coat, but must remain in place despite the conditions.

Despite