The Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos’ visit to the Area of Responsibility of the 95th Higher National Guard Battalions Command was completed. Mr. Avramopoulos visited the islands of Kastelorizo and Rodos, accompanied by the Chief of HAGS Lieutenant General Christos Manolas.
At Kastelorizo, the Minister of National Defence attended the War Flag presentation ceremony by the Chief of HAGS to the Defence Command of Megisti Island, where he decorated the Flag with the Cross for Merit and Valour A’ Class.
Mr. Avramopoulos also visited the torpedo boat “STARAKIS” which patrols the area, and discussed with its crew.
At Rodos island, and specifically at the “Captain (Inf) Nikolas Beloumbassis” military camp, the Minister of National Defence attended the award ceremony, performed by the Chief of HAGS, of the Knight Commander of the Order of Merit for Gallant Action to the flag of 1/38 National Guard Battalions Command, which was bestowed to the 1/38 Evzone Regiment, and decorated the flag with the Cross for Merit and Valour A’ Class.
In his address towards the personnel of the 95th Higher National Guard Battalions Command, Mr. Avramopoulos underlined, among other things:
“I share with you a special symbolic moment, as the honour rendered to the war flag of the 38 Evzone Regiment, with which – I am going to share with you something personal – my mother’s father had fought at Bitzani...
... Currently, a big, wide program for the enhancement of our borderline is ongoing. This is why, a few days ago, along with the military leadership, we visited the north part of the Aegean, close to borderline islands, close to your colleagues there, Officers, Reserve officers and soldiers, to convey a message: a message of self-confidence, prestige, certitude of the Greek people and our country, but also a message of recognition and honour for your national mission.
I visited Kastelorizo, an island-symbol of strength, endurance and force of Hellenism, at an era when, once more, the sovereign, but also the financial interests of our country, are contested.
The upgrading of defence mechanism sends a message, that Greece above and beyond the crisis and thanks to the Greek Armed Forces, protects its rights and interests.
Our force there acquired its own war flag, to remind that Greece, through its own national defence system, protects Greece’s integrity, independence and pride...
... I know that times are difficult, not only for Greece, but also for the military and civilian personnel of the Greek Armed Forces.
I would like to ensure you that the political leadership, in excellent cooperation with your military leadership, gives daily the battle so that yours and your families’ right to a dignified life will be fully ensured, above everything else.
I would like you to know that the day when all those that sometime wronged the Greek Armed forces and their personnel, will be fully restored.
During this time of uncertainty and fluidity, when the instability front ranges from Tunisia to Ukraine, when the Middle East is once more on fire, when new threats emerge on the horizon, our country, mainly due to its defence system, which was created after big sacrifices made by the Greek people, is a key factor for stability, peace and security in the entire area.
Even though today we are here at Rodos island for this symbolic and humble ceremony, or just before at Kastelorizo island where we sent our message, I would like to underline once more that the messages conveyed to our neighbourhood, and the entire world as well, are also messages of peace.
Greece is a peaceful country. The Greek Armed Forces ensure peace and serenity in the country.
Many wonder, inside and outside Greece, if our country has the luxury of having and preserving such a defence system. The answer is very simple: when the reasons will cease to exist, then the situation will change. But until then, continuing a tradition of 200 years of contemporary life, after the establishment of the Greek country, we owe to publicly recognise the Armed Forces’ contribution to Greece’s enlargement, to the enhancement of its international image, but also to the role played to preserving peace and stability.
With these simple words, an answer is given to all those in Europe who have not realised that this country has a mission with its name on it.
Therefore if such visits, during this period, have a value, classifying the elements characterising it, the first would be a message for security and certainty, but also of self-confidence, towards Greek citizens and Greek society.
Greek citizens can feel safe and sleep assured.
More than that, a message towards our new big country, Europe who, at the time, severely criticises Greece due to the financial crisis, is that we are here, assuming in their name as well, the mission to protect our new, wider country.
But also, a message towards our neighbourhood: a message of peace, yet of self-confidence as well!
The crisis did not defeat us.
The financial crisis is a phenomenon that came and will sometime go and, if the circumstances will be created for a deeper and more sincere national understanding, then as country, as people, as society, we can rise up and successfully face it by creating a new state, a new, modern, European polity.
Yet, despite the crisis, its defence part was preserved. Under difficult circumstances, it kept its effectiveness, its spirit and the ideological characteristics that encompass the mission of each and every one of you who sometime made the decision to enter this big family.
For this reason, you are an example for the entire Greek society. Every chance I am given, I repeat that here, at the borderline, from North to South, but also wherever there are formations of the Greek Armed Forces, beats the heart of another Greece; Greece of responsibility, duty, honour and true values...
... Times may have brought Greece at a difficult situation, yet they have not worn down our spirit, our decisiveness, they did not diminish the Greek Armed Forces’ effectiveness.
We know what our own responsibility is. First of all, respectfully towards the personnel, we keep and maintain all those excellent weapon systems which, as I said earlier, were offered by the Greek people to the Greek Armed Forces through great sacrifices.
Have no doubt that, as soon as the generalised financial crisis will be overcome, all of us and, above all, all of you, the permanent personnel and the reserves as well, and all those who serve the country, will feel very proud, for you have been an axis of stability and security for the country, the nation and our people, during this difficult time”.