28 October - Greek national holiday - Why?

On 28 October 1940 Fascist Italy demanded the surrender of Greece, but Greek dictator Ioannis Metaxas refused and in the following Greco-Italian War, The 'Ohi' that Metaxas replied to Mussolini's diplomats request for surrender on October 28th meant a straight 'No', and since this day this National holiday for Greece is also known as Ohi (or oxi)-day (meaning No-day!)

Greece repelled Italian forces into Albania, giving the Allies their first victory over Axis forces on land. Although the Italians failed dismally to occupy Greece, Greece would eventually fall to urgently dispatched German forces during the Battle of Greece, that were sent to assist Mussolini's troops. The German occupiers nevertheless met serious challenges from the Greek Resistance. Over 100,000 civilians died from starvation during the winter of 1941–42.