Video of a Greek military unit on the Acropolis caused such a strong reaction on social networks that, according to local media reports, the composition of the Evzones was eventually replaced.
The footage was filmed on Saturday evening as soldiers walked through the Acropolis to participate in the Greek flag lowering ceremony.
In the recording, the soldiers walk with at different steps, at a considerable distance from each other and without noticeable formation synchronization.
The video quickly spread on X and other social networks. Users compared what they saw to a “flock of sheep,” and one of the most popular comments sounded something like this: “We marched better in kindergarten”.
After the scandal, the composition of the unit was changed
September 2–3 DefenseNet and Pronews reported that after public reaction, management made a decision replace the composition of a military unitproviding the ceremony on the Acropolis.
In the new footage published on September 2, the military personnel are already walking in a much more organized manner, which the authors of the publications present as a result of the replacement.
However, it should be noted: An official statement from the Army General Staff or the Ministry of National Defense regarding the replacement of the unit could not be found at the time of publication..
Earlier reports dated August 30 directly indicated that the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense did not publicly comment on the incident at that time. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Why was the reaction so strong?
The ceremony of raising and lowering the Greek flag on the Acropolis is primarily symbolic meaning.
This is not just about moving a group of military personnel. The Acropolis is one of the main symbols of the country, and the ceremony itself takes place daily in front of numerous Greek and foreign visitors.
That is why many commentators considered what they saw to be incompatible with the discipline and drill that is usually associated with military guard duty.
Γιατί άλλαξαν άγημα?
Μια χαρά ήταν το άλλο. pic.twitter.com/xOFPvE3WDK—Kim. (@thomas310773562) September 2, 2026
For comparison: in archival photographs and videos of such ceremonies, military personnel usually move in a clear formation.
Editorial comment
The video itself probably would not be worth such attention if it were about the usual movement of military personnel within the unit. But on the Acropolis what matters is picture: thousands of tourists see it every day, and it is perceived as part of a state ritual.
At the same time, it is important not to cross the line between criticism of the organization and public humiliation of the servicemen themselves. If the unit was indeed insufficiently prepared for the ceremony, the responsibility primarily lies with those who appointed it and were supposed to provide the preparation.
Therefore, the more interesting question here is not who “missed the mark”, but why the unit in this form was even sent to perform a ceremonial task at one of the most symbolic places in Greece.
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