The Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Hardalias represented yesterday, Wednesday 14 September 2022, the Hellenic Republic to the ceremonial anniversary “LASKEIA 2022”, on the occasion of the sinking of HN Submarine KATSONIS, during WWII. The event, which was organised by the Hellenic Navy General Staff, the Municipality of Elefsis and the Folklore Society of Elefsis “Adrahti”, took place at Elefsis beach.
The Deputy Minister of National Defence, in the context of the event, laid a wreath at the Memorial of Commander Vassilios Laskos, the last Captain of Submarine KATSONIS and delivered the following address:
“I attend today’s remembrance event, deeply touched and honoured, paying the least tribute on behalf of the State, to the heroic members of our Navy’s Submarine KATSONIS who, fulfilled their duty and executed their mission with self-sacrifice, courage, and self-denial, ultimately giving their lives for Faith and Country.
The legendary submarine sank 79 years ago today, during its 7th war mission, engaged in Skiathos sea region with a German anti-submarine corvette, dragging into the depths 32 members of the crew, among which the Captain, Commander Vassilios Laskos from Elefsis.
Today is an excellent opportunity of historical reminiscence of the rich war action undertaken by our Navy during WWII, an action that confirmed the superiority of the Greek seamanship and its everlasting contribution to the survival of our Nation.
The sacrifice of the crew members, honouring the Flag till “the last drop of their blood”, fully performing their national duty, is undoubtedly a beacon for all the Greeks, and at the same time an important heritage, requiring from us to maintain it, showing respective magnitude and responsibility, so that we “show not ourselves inferior to our ancestors”.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In a critical period for national matters, where the Turkish revisionism, and the incendiary and unhistorical rhetoric are continuously escalating, we are not allowed to rest as a Nation.
On the contrary, the conditions require commitment, national unity and unanimity, in order to make clear to any opponent that threatens our national interests that we do not intend to give and negotiate anything and, if necessary, we will face with high morale, prudence, composure and determination any challenge and threat on land, in the sea and the air.
Our country’s steady position remains its devotion to the principles of International Law, including the Law of the Sea and the European Aquis Communautaire, a policy that allows the country to stand firm against any opponent, constituting, through its mighty and modern Armed Forces, a flat and impenetrable wall, making it at the same time a stability and security pillar in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Commander Vassilios Laskos, Captain of “SUBMARINE KATSONIS”, along with your heroic crew, we thank you for your ethos, bravery and self-sacrifice.
We owe you great gratitude for everything you have offered to the Country.
The flame of your patriotism will always be deep in our heart; it will fill us with pride and forge our will for struggle, leading our thoughts and steps towards the great ideals of Freedom, Democracy and Justice.
May you always be immortal”.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Justice, responsible for International Cooperation and Human Rights matters, Mr. Georgios Kotsiras, the MP of the B’ Attica Constituency (West) and C’ Vice President of the Parliament Mr. Athanasios Bouras, the MP of B’ Attica Constituency (West) and Secretary of the Parliament Mr. Evangelos Liakos, the Commander of HNDGS/Special Warfare Command Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas, representing HNDGS/Chief, the Mayor of Elefsis, Reviewer C’ (ret.) Argyrios Oikonomou, representatives of the Army, Navy and Air Force General Staffs Chiefs, the Vice Regional Governor of Western Attica Mr. Eleftherios Kosmopoulos, the President of the “Adrahti” Folklore Society Ms. Pantelitsa Tsalimopoulou and a delegation of Armed Forces personnel.
