On the 10th of June 2021, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Alkiviadis Stefanis attended the celebrations held at the Zappeion Megaron for the 114 years of constant contribution and solidarity of the Hellenic Red Cross .
During the event, volunteers, as well as all the members of the Hellenic Red Cross were honoured for their constant contribution and the humanitarian character of their work.
In his address the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated the following:
“I was utterly overjoyed to receive the invitation extended by the President of the Hellenic Red Cross Dr. Antonios Avgerinos, to attend today the celebrations for the 114 years of humanitarian contribution, during a long course of solid devotion to the international humanitarian principles and the solidary voluntary provision of aid to our fellow humans.
Since its establishment in 1877 till today, this Organisation has been faithfully following the imperative of Jean-Henri Dunant, remaining a timeless symbol of altruism, contributing consistently to all the significant historic events of Greece, with international participation, by sending humanitarian relief to our fellow humans, in cooperation with the respective national organizations of other countries.
The Hellenic Red Cross constitutes one of the oldest and greatest humanitarian organizations of our country, with multi-dimensional work of voluntary activities and offer, aiming to relieve human pain and protect human life and dignity , not only at times of war but during the peaceful everyday life of the vulnerable population.
Its actions are inextricably linked with a feeling of alertness, solidarity, and altruism and are synonym with selflessness and benevolent offers, based exclusively upon volunteering, always paying attention and respecting human rights and international human law.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Armed Forces depend upon the Hellenic Red Cross, since the contribution and the provision of help to the work of our health services is determining for the success of their mission.
At the same time, the Ministry of National Defence at peace time, is a supporter and help provider and companion of the Organisation, as far as contribution of any shape and form is concerned, helping with its means, assets and services the victims of natural disasters, hoping to relieve and support them.
In this context of excellent cooperation between the Organization and the Armed Forces, we have signed a related MOU which aims to establish a common synergy to tend to the health coverage of the Megisti Archipelago during the summer months, and also train the Army service members as First-Aiders, and provide health and technical support to Army Units in actions relating to the migration flows in Evros, the Aegean and continental Greece.
Today’s celebrations for the 114 years constitutes an opportunity to send a powerful message to alert and raise the awareness of society, to become mobilised and have a more active participation in social solidarity and supportive actions which will further strengthen this voluntary movement.
