“Today is a day of honour for our ancestors, those who made history with glorious moments in 1940. Yet it is a day when we shouldn’t only turn back to memories, but also look forward to the future with optimism.
Greece, above and beyond the crisis, remains among the most powerful stability agents in our broader region, which is once more proved by adversity.
As a guarantor of Greece’s security and independence, the Greek Armed Forces that were admired today, once more, by thousands of Thessaloniki’s inhabitants as well as the entire country, presented impeccable formations, something that shows that our national defence system is always ready to respond to its supreme mission.
With this spectacular parade and the symbolisms of this day, we send a general message.
First of all towards our broader neighbourhood; a message of security, stability and peace.
A message towards the Greek people who should feel secure and confident. The Greek Armed forces fully perform their duty and are always ready.
A message towards new people, that Greece of power, pride, authority and honour is always here.
Today is a special day, the symbolisms are very clear.
Something last, yet very important. Wherever Greece’s interests will be at stake, the Greek Armed Forces will always be present.
Today, from my post as Minister of National Defence and a few days before departing from this post, I would like to publicly express my gratitude to the men and women of the Greek Armed Forces. Because owing to them Greece remains, beyond and above the crisis, the guarantor of security, confidence, peace and stability in our area.
The Greek Government, the Prime Minister and us all, we have set as a priority, above the hard times that will soon belong to the past, the safeguard and enhancement of our national defence system.
With these thoughts, we honour today our history, we revise the historical signification of great anniversaries and we send a message to the entire world, to our broader region and to all Greeks, at every corner of our planet.
That Greece is standing proud, with authority, dignity, self-confidence and strength.
Many happy returns to you all”.
