Excerpts of the address of the Minister of National Defence Mr. Fragkoulis Fragkos at a social happening organised by the Greek Consulate General in Chicago and delegates of the local Hellenic Community:
“It is a great honour for me to be present tonight to this event organised by the Hellenic Community in the city of CHICAGO, in my quality as Minister of National Defence.
On the occasion of the 25th NATO Summit, I decided to arrive here earlier, in order to have the time to meet with you.
The thoughts of all the Greeks living in Greece are with you, with the entire Diaspora who, with the steadfast spirit and the deeply crusted national conscience, is an important power of prosperity and progress for local societies, as well as for the mother country.
The emigrant Hellenism altogether is undoubtedly an important and integral part of the Hellenic Nation which has always been and still nowadays is a nation of Diaspora. We are united by the indissoluble brotherly, historical, cultural and religious bonds, which are constantly affirmed and renewed.
Your dynamic presence is the guarantee that you will continue to respond to the various challenges placed by current circumstances, so that Hellenism will constantly strengthen and ameliorate its international prestige.
Besides, the role played by our Diaspora as far as national issues are concerned, could never be questioned. The Diaspora’s contribution to the promotion of the firm and righteous stands pertaining to such issues, has always been significant and effective.
Dear friends,
In my quality as Minister of National Defence, I would like to assure you that our country, besides the financial crisis, remains powerful and always at the frontline, with its competent Armed Forces.
Greece, regardless of the difficulties, disposes one of the best defence systems worldwide, with high spirit, full equipment and excellent personnel that, I can assure you, is absolutely ready to deter any kind of threat.
Therefore, no matter what the questioning or concerns may emerge to all of our thoughts, they are not suitable for our case and, as far as I am concerned, I can promise you that I will work my best at ensuring the rights and values that characterise our Nation”.
