The Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos attended the ceremony for the 68th anniversary since the founding of Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands, which took place at the Commandment’s HQ in the military camp “SAKETA B΄”, at Kareas, Attica.
The event was also attended by the Chief of the Hellenic Army Lieutenant General Konstantinos Gkinis, the Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff Vice Admiral Evanghelos Apostolakis.
After the ceremony, the Minister of National Defence made the following address, the key points of which were the following:
“I am here as Minister of National Defence, so as to honour the anniversary of a Higher Military Formation, one of the Higher Military Commandments of the Armed Forces, which has traditionally offered to the country’s national security; the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands.
The Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands has made a great offer to the utmost concern of the country’s National Security, since its foundation and until nowadays.
The people who have served under its auspices deserve a public praise; they deserve homage and we are here to pay the homage due to the fallen fighters, via the orders of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands.
Half of Greece’s heart is beating at its mainland. However, the other half of Greece’s, of our Nation’s heart is beating at its islands and seas.
Everyone, enemies and friends, neighbours and non neighbours know that the Armed Forces are the powerful coat, the potent shield for our country’s national security, for the consolidation of sovereignty, independence and territorial and national integrity. Under any circumstances, no matter the problems the country may have in financial, political and social life, the Armed Forces are devoted to the mission that was devoted to them by the Nation, the Constitution, the democratic State, the Hellenic people; the protection of the country’s national security, this supreme benefit without the consolidation of which Greece and the Hellenic people could not march together, towards the national effort for salvation and reform.
All those serving in the Armed Forces deserve congratulations; from the higher leadership, the Staff officers, the Officers, the NCOs, until the youngest soldier, our children, the Hellenic people’s children.
Congratulations to everybody, for they daily give a battle in their everyday life, under difficult circumstances, forgetting their daily problems we, as political leadership, know that they have been multiplied recently.
Yet, they have all disconnected the need to stay devoted to their duty, to accomplish their duty, and they do so in the best possible way.
I would like to ensure everyone serving in the Armed Forces that the country absolutely comprehends their sacrifice, devotion and offer. The country knows that everyone serving in the Armed Forces, from the leadership to the youngest soldier, they deserve a lot more. And, as soon as the country will recover, this duty of the country for the Armed Forces will become reality and action.
However, we must first overcome the difficult times. And we will do it. You all know that in the year 2013, the first weeks of which we are now covering, will be of great importance to this struggle. Because the country is fighting a financial war that was imposed in it, a war with the markets, one we must win. It is not a war fought with military operations, it is particular, it is singular, yet the country must win and it will win.
Therefore, let us give this decisive historic battle in 2013. Feeling sure that next year, after having won this national bet, the country will begin its reform.
I would like to extend my best wishes on account of this day. I would also like to wish, mister Commander of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands, the Higher Military Commandment of which you are leading, to continue offering to the country; to safeguard our islands, our nation’s and country’s half heart.
I would like to wish personal and family happiness to all, to invite you to further upgrade jointness, discipline, the structures, devotion to duty, and to repeat once more that, as political leadership, we observe and take pride in you.
Happy new year, the best of wishes, may God help us”.
