Officers, NCOs, Privates, Seamen, Aircraftmen and Civilian Personnel of the Armed Forces,
Today’s anniversary of the war of national independence, at the same day with the feast of the Annunciation, does not simply serve as a day of commemoration and pride for Greek people’s revolutionary war against the Ottoman ruler but mostly as a symbol and commemoration for what people can achieve thanks to unity and unanimity, when circumstances allow for it and historic duty calls for it.
This symbolisation is even deeper because, apart from the special moment of the modern history of the Greek nation, beyond Greeks’ boast of unrivalled heroism, national rise, unity and magnificence of the anthropocentric culture of this country, includes a series of messages which serve, not only as a national capital, but as a legacy of global principles.
If Greeks were not determined to dare what they dared to do in 1821, there are still strong doubts and it is uncertain if the 19th century would remain in history known as the century of nations and of restoration of national states. Not only Greeks expelled the Ottoman rulers, but they created the moral and political prerequisites for the emergence of various national revolts, the international protection of minorities and of peoples’ right of self-determination.
It is on these principles that the charts of the League of Nations and afterwards of the United Nations were based.
Today’s circumstances are critical. Especially for Europe, there are visible threats and they undermine the idea for a common European home, the principle of social cohesion, but, much more, they threaten democracy in Europe. The incarnation of this threat to democracy is the rise of extremism, populism and, in some countries, fascism.
And it is not the failure of the European ideals that resulted in the crisis that torments us but the lack of political will and vision. This is why we must let the wisdom of history guide us and, of course, not give in to old mottos, just like the soldiers of 1821 didn’t give in.
The challenge for Europe today is to build a political edifice which will embrace all European peoples and will give a real meaning to the values of progress, growth and social cohesion. A Europe worthy of its legacy and of European citizens’ struggles for democracy and freedom. A Europe capable of guaranteeing global stability and force of the international law.
The history of the Greek nation which teaches and warns us, which inspires and is admired by the whole world, is the source and the inspiration where we too must turn to today, to be revitalized and fight our own struggle for national survival and uplift. Thus, nowadays, at a crucial change for the Greek state, daring what many people, just like back then, thought “impossible” through the composition of forces and opinions, we have to overcome challenges and difficulties and continue the reconstruction of our country.
Women and men of our Armed Forces,
It is true that our country goes through difficult times. The dire financial circumstances have tested and keep testing us. But, above all, we know that we must keep our courage, our battle-worthiness, our pride and our country’s prestige high.
And it is this mission that the Armed Forces totally fulfil.
With our strong and reliable defence system we achieve the necessary presence of our country wherever it is needed, we raise its international prestige and we prove actively that despite the problems and difficulties, Greece is a pillar of stability and security in a region ruled by instability and insecurity.
Our task to defend our country and modernise our Armed Forces is enormous and its course is not easy at all. It requires a strong focus on our duty, an increased team effort, social confidence and national understanding.
Freedom which you all safeguard needs virtue and boldness. Continue performing your great national duty, honouring the battle-worthiness of the Greek arms and being an example for the entire Greek people. Your state embraces you with confidence and the Political and Military leaders do their best to deal with the problems and anxieties which you set aside with dignity and self-denial when performing your duties. This is, as we think, our moral obligation and duty.
Inspired by the notions of this Holiday and based on our ideals and tradition let’s stare at the future with optimism. Let’s give back to our Greece the perspective and prestige which it deserves and which are imposed by its history and fate to be always the first country to give lessons of global value.
With the solidarity, the unity of Greek people, the focus on freedom and democracy, our constant orientation to peace, let’s bring hope back to the dreams of our youth.
Long live the 25th of March
Long live the Hellenic Armed Forces
Long live the Nation
The Minister of National Defence
Dimitris Avramopoulos