The Minister of National Defence Mr. F. Fragkos attended today the certificate award ceremony for the graduates of the 64th Training Class and 1st Distance Learning Course of the Hellenic National Defence College, which took place at the Hellenic Armed Forces Officer’s Club.
The former Minister of National Defence Mr. D. Avramopoulos, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff General M. Kostarakos and the Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff Lieutenant General K. Ziazias also attended the ceremony.
The speech following is the address made by Mr. Fragkos:
“Mister Minister,
Your Holiness,
Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff,
Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff,
Lieutenant General,
Commandant of the College,
Ambassador,
It is a great honour for me to be here today, at the certificate award ceremony for the graduates of the Hellenic National Defence College and the first Class of Distance Learning Course, which is an achievement for the College.
However, in any case, what is of particular importance is that during the 9 months which have passed, a chance was given to the cadres of the Hellenic Armed Forces, as well as to the cadres of other Ministries, to be informed on vital issues concerning our country, to have a complete knowledge of the international scene and to be absolutely ready in the new positions they will be appointed to, to respond not simply as simple staff officers, but characterised by the motto written on the carpet of the College, “Wisdom and Art”.
You have mastered the Art. You have excellent knowledge of war art. Wisdom is something we continuously build up. Lifelong education means that it is not over here, at the College. You must be updated every day on the political and geopolitical developments in the broader area, to have complete knowledge of the environment that is being formed.
In any case, when our neighbours speak of our country in a disdainful way, we must have the strength to project exactly what we are. We are the silent, potent military power, which is more than a deterrent power, it is a power of stability in the broader region.
That is the true role our country deserves. Any financial problems should engage only those who will have the responsibility and will be elected by the Hellenic people, so that the function of democracy will carry on unhindered. Respect to the rules of Democracy is what is most important in this country.
In any case, we act in an ultimate spirit of Democracy. Since the approach we have as military people towards the personnel and the sensitivity we show is the way a Democracy functions.
I would like to make particular reference to this issue, since it is a period when in a few days the Hellenic people will be called to elect a new political leadership, the new MPs. These elections will have to take place in a spirit of calmness and security, which is ensured by the Security Corps and the Armed Forces.
The remaining issues are ours and yours. You have the sacred duty not to simply continue the historic course of the country’s Armed Forces, not to simply improve their level, but to be close to, lean upon the personnel’s problems, since the difficult situation, as far as the financial circumstances are concerned, need us to be much more human.
I know that the previous political leadership of the Ministry, mister Minister, as well as the capable military leadership of the Armed Forces, are trying and are finding solutions and ways to support our living standards.
However, what comes before everything else, is to preserve the effectiveness of our army. Not to simply preserve it on talk, within a level of dignity as far as the families’ living is concerned; with a morale which is high and cannot be questioned by anyone. The morale of the military personnel is undoubtedly at an enviable level and no one can contest that. Being completely aware of our country’s potentials, what you are going to ask of, what we are going to require from the country’s political leadership and the new Government, is to keep the outstanding equipment we possess, the finest in the world, the best I could say, in excellent condition as far as their operability is concerned, at high availability. That is to ensure the maintenance, their spare parts, their ammunition and their fuel.
All of you, you contribute with your resourceful education. Because each and every one of you has specialised in his field and can respond to his difficult roles.
Even with a reduced budget, even with an operational budget which will face a lot of problems in order to be established, the year shall pass. Be sure that the State will listen to the problems and will help all of your endeavours. You should have no doubts about that.
I would like to assure you for one thing. Know that you have the recognition of all the Greek citizens. Always at the polls you have the first place and I find that righteous, since what we must respect is the institutions and the values characterising us.
If the neighbours question it and believe that only material goods are worthy, we can confront them with our level of culture, arts, science, since at global level we are and we are recognised as first.
I could just state a number; that over 3,000 Greek professors teach in Universities of the United States. And you, each one in his own field, are the expert, the professor.
So, transfer the knowledge you have gained in the College.
Commandant, thank you. I visited on May 10, I tried to present the discipline I knew best, and to orientate the Class.
I believe that each of the professors which visited did their best. Indeed, the job done in the college is excellent, the students recognise it themselves, as I had a direct meeting with them. This shows that the military and political leadership of the Ministry of National defence work in this direction.
I would like to congratulate all of you on your graduation. I would like to wish to you from the bottom of my heart personnal and professional success.
Be sure that the country will always show its interest to us.
Thank you very much. I recognise that this period is very important and significant for all of you now graduating.
So, I would like at the same time to kindly help us during the award, since there is personnel present here who were close to him during his time at the Ministry.
Thank you all very much gentlemen and, once more, congratulations. I hope that you will always be worthy.
All the best”.
