On Friday, 3 September 2021, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Chardalias attended the remembrance events in honour of the Professional Soldier Sergeant (INF) Konstantinos Meligonis, an elite member of the Special Forces, who fell in action.

He attended the memorial service at Agia Efthimia Church, Nea Chalkidona. Next, the Deputy Minister performed the bust unveiling at Olympionikon Square, along with the members of the family of the deceased, HNDGS/Chief General Konstantinos Floros, and the Mayor of Nea Philadelphia-Nea Chalkidona, Mr. Giannis Vouros. Then, he laid a wreath on behalf of the Political Leadership of the Ministry of National Defence to the Memorial of Sergeant (INF) Konstantinos Meligonis.

The remembrance events, organised by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), were attended by relatives of the unjustly fallen member, the Metropolitan of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalkidona, Mr. Gavriil, the HAFGS/Chief Lieutenant General Georgios Blioumis, the HAGS/Chief Lieutenant General Charalambos Lalousis, the HNGS/Chief Vice Admiral Stylianos Petrakis and members of the Armed Forces.

The Deputy Minister of National Defence stated the following in his address:

“With feelings of deep grief and sadness, I attend today’s remembrance event regarding the Professional Soldier Sergeant (INF) Konstantinos Meligonis, an exceptional NCO, serving at a Special Operations Joint Command Unit, who lost his life a year ago, during a night free fall operational jump.

The ancient historian Thucydides, in his “Periklis Epitaph”, on the first dead of the Peloponnese War, expresses an inner fear that the praises to the dead may likely be exaggerated, because death itself, in fact, beautifies and idealises people.

The cases where the praises are just describing truths are few and the cases where the words are poor to deliver the true contribution and the outstanding ethos of specific people are even rarer.

Konstantinos Meligonis was a young man with selfless love for the Hellenic Army and unquenched passion for the Special Forces, a unique and unconventional personality, full of patriotic feelings, a restless and visionary NCO, who, during his tour of duty, provided valuable services to the Armed Forces, serving in the elite force of the Special Operations.

A transcendental man, brave, with high national ideals, he served the Army with principles and ethos, leaving his mark indelible, worthily gaining the appreciation and respect of his friends and colleagues.

He honoured the Greek flag till the “last drop of his blood” and remained loyal to his oaths and ideals.

He effortlessly sacrificed his life for the Ideals and the Country, executing with bravery and unselfishness a demanding night exercise, showing everyone the path of duty, honour and debt.

His sacrifice, as the sacrifice of all elite members and soldiers of the Special Forces, giving in the past their life for the Country, executing their duty in full, will constitute for ever a beacon for all of us, serving as “spearhead” of national dignity and pride.

Konstantinos Meligonis,

The Armed Forces thank you for everything you offered to the Country, you will always be remembered and your memory will be honoured.

Your family must be extremely honoured and proud.

You lived your life in accordance with the logic of the Thucydides motto: “They are bold beyond their strength, venturesome beyond their better judgement and sanguine in the face of dangers”.

May you always be Immortal!!!