The Deputy Minister of National Defence Alkiviadis Stefanis went to Litochoro, on Friday 25 September 2020, to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the newly recruited Conscripts of the XXIV Armour Brigade.
Following that, he was briefed on the current activities, challenges and goals of the XXIV Armour Brigade.
Addressing the new Conscripts, the Deputy Minister of National Defence mentioned the following:
“Under the War Flag, you took the Military Oath of honour and devotion to the Homeland and you were officially integrated to the military family.
The oath is not just a moral commitment but also an invisible bond with those who defended the Nation’s values during its historic course. Scrutinise it diligently and in its phrases you will find the resultant of your obligations.
Your enlistment in the Hellenic Armed Forces may be a constitutional duty, but at the same time, it is the utmost honour and a right granted to you as citizens.
The military service constitutes a great honour and obligation for everyone. It is the greatest contribution to the Homeland and to Greeks everywhere. We serve a Country with centuries-long history, birthplace of the world’s civilisation and a people who learned to live free. Be proud of the opportunity you are granted to defend man’s most valued blessing, freedom.
The human workforce constitutes our most valued weapon system and the most important force multiplier. I assure you that you are the focus of our attention and there is a constant concern about providing you with all the necessary training and tools to make you worthy fighters.
The challenges you will face in the months of your military service are several and they mainly regard your adjustment to the military way of life. Face the difficulties with optimism, a smile in your everyday lives and with positive attitude. Be dominated by the spirit of “I can do it too”, as well as the spirit of the victor. Arm yourselves with patience and insistence which may be the two greatest virtues of man.
Proceed with faith and devotion to duty, having the military virtues and values as a compass. Participate with zeal, enthusiasm and with all your strength to the completion of your military training.
I wish, through you, to thank the parents – who could not attend today’s ceremony, due to the implementation of the State’s measures for the management of the health crisis – who entrusted their children to us.
New soldiers,
You were called to offer your valuable services to the Homeland and contribute to the defence of its freedom and independence. The National Defence requires a collective effort and cohesion, supported by conscientious discipline.
You must feel extremely proud and it is essential to understand what it means to wear the honoured uniform of the Greek soldier.
Remember that the most valuable aspects of life are the harshest ones and that those who stand tall do not behave fatalistically but face every obstacle with serenity.
I wish you health, strength, a productive and creative military service”.
After the oath-taking of the Conscripts, the Deputy Minister of National Defence met with the Pieria MP Xenofondas Mparaliakos, the Deputy Head of the Region of Pieria Sofia Mavridou and the Mayor of Dion-Olympus Evangelos Geroliolios.
