“Today is the Day of our Armed Forces, the feast of our patron saint Virgin Mary. I wish to thank everyone, Chiefs, Generals, Admirals, Officers and NCOs, Privates, National Guards and Reserve Officers, a happy Armed Forces’ Day.
    
I would like to thank them on behalf of the Greek people because, indeed, at these difficult times of the crisis they keep our morale strong, they protect our country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity in every part of Greece.

I would like to thank them in particular because the Hellenic Armed Forces, even in peace time, they bring up heroes who prove the difficulty of our personnel’s work, yet also because they protect and help our society through works that are conducted all over Greece.

The great contribution of the Hellenic Armed Forces to the refugees’ issue is now acknowledged by all the friendly and allied countries.

As the civilian superior of the Armed Forces, I would like to assure the Greek people that the Hellenic Armed Forces, with their high morale and professionalism, will not allow anyone to threaten and create any problem to our country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

I would like to thank the enlisted young people who, during their military service, adapt themselves, in the best possible manner, to the ideals of the Armed Forces.

As Minister of National Defence I am particularly happy, when I see our people united with the Armed Forces. Yesterday, all people who were here, on Syntagma Square, embraced the bands of our Armed Forces. Together we will move on, to rebuild our land“.