The Alternate Minister of National Defence Dimitris Vitsas represented the Greek government and the Ministry of National Defence at the ceremony of honour held in Moudros Commonwealth Cemetery, Lemnos Island, on Friday, 21 April 2017, to commemorate 102 years since Gallipoli campaign.

In his speech, the Alternate Minister of National Defence stated the following:

“It is a special honour for me to be with you today, here, at Moudros Commonwealth Cemetery, Lemnos island, representing the Greek government and the Ministry of National Defence in this commemoration to the honour of our thousand allies whose sacrifice gave another meaning to the notions of “freedom” and “just struggle”.

Unfortunately, I have to remind that, on these days, the Armed Forces and the Greek people mourn the death of four Greek officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in peace time. These sacrifices remind is that at the same time when all of us are concerned with our peaceful jobs, our peaceful works or even our peaceful arguments there are people, men and women, who have set as their duty to defend our country’s national independence and territorial integrity.

We know that the campaign of Gallipoli aimed at the occupation of Dardanelles and, perhaps, through this, it aimed also to end World War I sooner. It did not bring the desired result. 247 thousand dead; Pain and sorrow. It was confirmed that war is the worst thought man has ever had, it is the worst mean of solving disputes. It was, however, confirmed once more that cooperation and respect of International Law are the safest ways to peace and prosperity.

We remember with sorrow and respect and, above all, we honour the spirit of these hundreds of thousands of young people who gave their lives; some of them had come from the ends of the earth for the sake of freedom. We cannot stop thinking of the sacrifice that took place a century ago. This sacrifice is a legacy for all the free people of this world. It is a legacy which makes us struggle against any kind of war, against any violent regime and against the violation of human rights.

Our attendance itself is a promise; that we will remember this sacrifice, that we turn commitment into a moral obligation. We keep history alive in our memories, not only for it to remind us the importance of the supreme good of freedom, but also to remind us that we have a commitment towards our ancestors, as well as a duty towards future generations.

At the same time, we make our relations with peoples who fought for freedom with us even stronger. Thanking them cordially and hoping for prosperity will keep bridging the differences of our peoples and will grant long-lasting peace.”