The Minister of National Defence Panos Kammenos, following the completion of the parade for the National Holiday of the 28th October 1940 held in Thessaloniki, awarded the Star of Merit and Valour to journalist Antonis Pyliaros, who for 35 years was the commentator  during the  broadcasting of the Thessaloniki parade from the frequency of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERA and ERT) .

The Minister stated the following:

“We are honouring Antonis Pyliaros, a man who for 35 whole years served journalism; It was his voice which described all national parades through the frequencies of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation and the public television, leaving his own mark – during the tormented times which followed 1974 – on the unity between people and the Armed Forces.

I believe that even more important than the award of the medal is his work, as well as all his colleauges, because in his face we are honouring the journalists, the technicians, the directors who successfully completed the presentation of the parades.

Today after the parade we witnessed scenes of the Greek people, families, children, mounting the armoured vehicles in the streets of Thessaloniki, taking pictures of themselves with our Officers, NCOs, privates and territorial guards.  

Antonis Pyliaros, we thank you for everything you have done. Your voice shall never be forgotten”.  

The journalist Antonis Pyliaros stated the following:

“The Minister of Defence of Cyprus who is with us today, said earlier to his Greek counterpart that “only you could have thought of that”. I feel really touched. Broadcasting a parade awakens feelings of excitement and pride. We feel proud, because what we watched today and watch every year demonstrates the work accomplished by the Armed Forces. The parades are here to make Greeks feel optimistic, proud. The word “pride” is misunderstood, but the feeling is real.

Mr. Minister thank you very much. I will never forget this very day, during my remaining years”.