'No' shapes Greek history, even when it's not the last word

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras delivers a speech during a parliamentary session before a vote of confidence at the parliament building in Athens, Greece, October 8, 2015. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

ATHENS (Reuters) - They defied a vast Persian army in 480 BC, rejected Italy's ultimatum during World War Two and told Europe to take a hike when presented with an unpalatable bailout deal in July, risking Greece's place in the euro zone.

Greeks celebrate 'No' Day, a unique public holiday, on Wednesday, marking the 75th anniversary of Greece's refusal to let Mussolini send troops across Greek territory, which led to the Nazi German invasion seven months later.