The Minister of National Defence Panos Kammenos , accompanied by HAGS Chief Lt General Vassileios Tellides  attended the Swοrd Awarding Ceremony of the D’ Army Corps Officers, held at the “ KANDILAPTI” Camp, Alexandroupoli.  
 
Then the Minister of National Defence traveled to Larissa and attended the respective ceremony of the 1st Army and the 1st Infantry Division.

The previous night the Minister was hosted at the Kipoi Oupost, Evros, along with Army personnel and draftees.
 
During the ceremony, the Minister of National Defence in his address to the D’ Army Corps Officers stated the following:
 
“It is a great honour to attend today this ceremony. Along with the Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff and the D’ Army Corps Commander, to award the swords to the men and women Officers, here in the beautiful borderline area of Alexandroupoli, in the region of XII Infantry Division, a region of great operational and national importance.

Greek Officers should feel proud of their swords, their traditions which are transmitted by this archetype weapon.  

Our national poet Dionysios Solomos recognises Freedom by the “Fearsome sharpness of the Sword” as our National Hymn reiterates in the first verse.

The sword you have just been awarded is a symbol of power, vigilance, honour, valour, duty and justice. These values should be awakened in each and every one of us.

Dear Officers, you are a reference of the stable values of the Army and our society as a whole. That is because you are the optimum example of offer and self-denial. Hence, you should always seek excellence in everything.
 
As leaders you exert influence on your soldiers. Your objective is to execute the national mission of your troops. Raise their morale, convince them of the common struggle and infuse them with pride as factors of our national effort.  

And all this by communicating with your soul and feeling, by setting the example with deeds not just words.

The country and all parents entrust you with their recruited children in peace time and at times of war, and you are burdened with the responsibility to train them, lead them and render them healthy, mature and clear-thinking citizens.  
 
This is the  moralising mission of yours, as the former President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tsatsos mentions : to mold the simple man of the mountain or the island into a free citizen of a real Democracy.  

We are not in a neighbourhood of  angels. This is why we have a high fighting morale and a powerful Army. And we are achieving this by means of strenuous efforts, everyday labour and your contribution. Your contribution is not a mere compliment but an actual recognition of your work.
 
It is not a coincidence that during these strenuous times the Greek people demonstrate great confidence in the institution of the Armed Forces and the Church.
 
We have succeeded in maintaining a military power of high operational capability for securing territorial integrity, sovereignty and defending our national interests, as well as international peace.
 
I reassure you that this message is understood by all, friends and foes, especially during our times, times of sudden dramatic changes especially in our region,  marked by flexibility and uncertainty.  

Greece is a main pillar of stability in the Mediterranean region. The alliances we have formed over the years, as well as the bilateral relations we have built with the countries of the wider region, have helped render us the hope for the future of the wider region, for stability and peace.

 
Men and Women of the Armed Forces,
 
Closing, allow me to wish to all of you health, to have a bright career armed with pride and decency, having always one thing in mind: that you are serving the country, the Hellenic Republic, your parents, your siblings and your children. You are serving   the supreme principles and values which have kept our country alive and on its feet. The Hellenic Armed Forces always serve our faith and our homeland.

Keep your morale high. Your homeland entrusts you with its present and its future, and the Greek people have good, noble and supreme feelings of recognition and gratitude towards to each and everyone of you.

On behalf of the political leadership of the Minister of National Defence and the Greek people allow me to thank you for your excellent work, your high morale, and your professionalism.  
 
I wish you Merry Christmas and I a reassure you that 2017 which we will welcome in a few days will be a better year for all of us. It is the year that will  bring back the smile to our country.

Merry Christmas” .