“ Happy Anniversary to you all. I would like to congratulate the leadership of the Armed Forces, the Officers, NCOS, draftees and territorial guards on parading here today, proving that the most powerful and most expensive weapon system of our country is its manpower, its people, the personnel of the Armed Forces, who are there 24/7, 365 days a year.   A weapon system which is unparalleled, due to its high professionalism and high morale.  

All peoples of the world should witness the courage the Greek citizens give to our Armed Forces, the way the people of Thessaloniki have embraced today our Armed Forces during a parade held under harsh weather conditions, this way they will realize how our morale is kept high. The applause, the tears, the childrens’ laughter, all these encourage our Armed Forces to be the best.  

This year, for the first time in the parade we saw territorial guards participating  from all over Greece. They are now an inextricable part of our Armed Forces machine, boosting the work of the Armed Forces along with the draftees.  

The new structure planned by the military leadership will render better protection of the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the country, as well as it will facilitate the social contribution of the Armed Forces.

I would like to thank all citizens for supporting the Armed Forces and congratulate all officers, NCOs, draftees and territorial guards for the excellent parade and their participation in the celebrations”.