The  Minister of National Defence Panos Kammenos, the Chief of HNGS Vice Admiral Nikolaos Tsounis, the Commander and the crew of Gunboat “NIKIFOROS” conducted a wreath-throwing ceremony at sea off the coast of Imia islets in memory of the fallen Greek officers of the Hellenic Navy Panagiotis Vlachakos, Christodoulos Karathanasis, Ektoras Gialopsos.  

In his speech to the Commander and the crew of Gunboat “NIKIFOROS”, the Minister of National Defence stated the following:

“We are here today, to pay the due tribute to the heroes of our Hellenic Navy who fell for our homeland, in 1996, at Imia islets.

Panagiotis Vlachakos, Christodoulos Karathanasis and Ektoras Gialopsos will always be remembered as heroes.
 
We decided to be here, with you, on board “NIKIFOROS” because, as all the vessels of the Hellenic Navy and as the Armed Forces, in peace time you are trained under conditions of war. During the last days, through your naval manoeuvres, following the rules of maritime law and the tradition of our Hellenic Navy, and without hesitating even for a second, you proved that you are excellent not only at guarding, but at defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity as well.

Exactly, for this reason, we decided, with the Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff, this wreath-throwing ceremony to be conducted on “NIKIFOROS”. We thank you for the excellent job you are doing to fulfil your oath. You are an example to all the Armed Forces.  

For the heroes who “left” while defending our country, there is only one phrase to be said: “Let them be always remembered”.