The Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis, representing the Government, attended on Sunday 25 January 2026, the memorial service of Panagiotis Vlahakos, who fell for the country at Imia on 31 January 1996. The ceremony took place at Konstantinos Karamanlis Square in Terpsithea, Piraeus, where his Statue stands.

After the memorial service, officiated by His Eminence the Metropolitan Serafeim of Piraeus, speeches and wreath laying followed.

Mr. Davakis in his speech stated:

“Thirty years separate us from the dawn of January 31, 1996, when another hero of Piraeus born in Mani, Lieutenant Takis Vlahakos of the Hellenic Navy, gave his life while on duty in his Homeland. Together with his colleagues, Lieutenant Christodoulos Karathanasis and Senior Chief Petty Officer Ektoras Gialopsos.

It was exactly the same ordered duty in which thousands of Greeks have shed their blood over the centuries defending the Freedom, History and Ideals of the Nation.

There are not many words that one can or should say at a memorial service for fallen heroes. All of us here know what happened then and why we are here today.

The only thing I can say as a member of the Ministry of National Defence’s political leadership is that by investing the savings of the Greek people, who uncomplainingly support our Defence, we are ensuring that we have the equipment, structures, organization, capabilities, training, and care needed so that we never again experience the surprise and emotion we felt then.

And above all, so that our Armed Forces continue to be a calm deterrent force – like the one that sailed into our seas a few days ago – and our officers always remain the price and shield of the Nation!

Takis, we will always remember you as the modern hero of our Armed Forces; the modern hero of our Nation!”

The Greek Parliament was represented by MP for Piraeus Giannis Tragakis, while present were the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs Domna Michailidiou, the Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Kostas Katsafados, MP and brother of the fallen Nikos Vlahakos, and the Mayor of Piraeus Giannis Moralis.

The military leadership was represented by the Chief HNDGS General Dimitrios Choupis and the Chief HNGS Vice Admiral Dimitrios – Eleftherios Kataras, while also present were the Chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard Vice Admiral Tryfon Kontizas, and members of the Armed Forces and Security Forces.

Members of the families of the fallen in Imia, representatives of the Regional and Local Administration, Associations and other Authorities also attended this modest ceremony.