The Minister of National Defence Evangelos Apostolakis, attended the ceremony for the Anniversary of the Navy’s Anti-junta Movement, on Friday 17 May 2019, at the Hellenic Naval Academy, where he made an address.

You can read the address of the Minister of National Defence below:

“Your Excellency President of the Hellenic Republic,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

            I am particularly honoured to be here with you, as a representative of the Government, at this event of memory an honour, held at the Hellenic Naval Academy.

Your Excellency President of the Hellenic Republic, your presence here today constitutes a great honour for the Armed Forces and attributes particular prestige and splendour to this event which honours the Navy’s Anti-junta Movement.

An Anti-junta Movement which arose from within the Navy’s Officers personnel, as a fruit of their democratic conscience and patriotic roots.

The Navy’s Anti-junta Movement constituted a major action against dictatorship. It was the answer of the honourable and democratic members of the Navy to the autocratic regime which abolished the democratic institutions and the constitutional freedoms of the Greek people.

The people responsible for this Anti-junta Movement, which was finally conducted with the participation of Officers from the Army and the Air Force but also plain citizens whom we also honour, defied the dictatorial regime and revealed the violent abolition of Democracy in Greece.

The participation in the Anti-junta Movement was not an easy decision to make. They experienced Junta’s suppression mechanisms, they were deprived of their freedoms, tortured and sent in exile. However, they also constituted a source of inspiration. Their stoutness, self-denial and dedication to the principles and values of our Navy are still a beacon of guidance for us and will continue to do so in the future.

Without reference to its conclusion, the Anti-junta Movement was the actual proof that the dictatorship did not sever the natural bond of the Armed Forces with the Greek people. It maintained a disposition against dictatorship, rekindled the hopes of the Greek people and demonstrated the democratic ideals of our personnel.

Furthermore, it acted as a catalyst for the next actions which achieved the restoration of Democracy in our homeland, while it decisively contributed to the positive disposition of the Greek public opinion for the Armed Forces.

And of course, the actions of the late Admiral Nikos Pappas, with the “Velos” Destroyer, confirmed the Navy’s volition to overthrow the Junta and greatly contributed to the internationalisation of the struggle of the people behind the Anti-junta Movement.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 46 years since these historic events, today’s celebration carves on our memory a precious historic legacy for our Hellenic Navy, the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Greek society. Because these historic lessons were delivered through struggle and sacrifice.

At the same time, it makes us feel grateful for the paradigms that those who came before us freely deliver, from whom we draw strength and inspiration. You must be certain that the principles and values which the people of the Anti-junta Movement served, are preserved with the same intensity and are passed down from one generation to the next.

We strive to be their equal, in a period of fragile balance in the region surrounding Greece. However, our country arises as a pillar of stability and security, despite the continuous challenges.

A stable pillar of peace.

Particularly now, in a period overshadowed by the violating behaviour of Turkey in the Aegean and its recent decision to proceed to an illegal drilling in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus.

A decision which we have, naturally, condemned and which has provoked international reactions.

In any case, we seek peace and stability. Our goal is to serve through the internationally accepted principles and the International Law, peace, security and cooperation in the region. However, at the same time, we decisively safeguard our sovereign rights.

There is no doubt about it.

Your Excellency President of the Hellenic Republic,

The Armed Forces currently constitute a factor guaranteeing our country’s territorial integrity, through their role and mission.

They are comprised of exquisitely trained and highly professional personnel, which is our greatest advantage and an invaluable force multiplier. The men and women of the Armed Forces walk the path of responsibility, with mettle, drawing strength and vision from our countless historic paradigms of devotion to high ideals and morals. As well as from the people involved in the Navy’s Anti-junta Movement.

At the same time, estimating the unforeseeable provocations characterising the modern era, the Armed Forces are transformed and adjust to the new conditions.

Our priority is to preserve the combativeness and readiness of the Armed Forces, but also to shape the momentum which will allow their evolution, in an inter-service context, so that they will be able to respond to future requirements. And of course these actions are always done with absolute respect to the sacrifices of the Greek people.

I would like to characteristically mention that earlier today we received the first upgraded Aircraft of Naval Cooperation to the Hellenic Navy. It is the fruit of an endeavour we began, aiming to enhance our defence capabilities in the Hellenic Navy and the Armed Forces in general. An endeavour which will contribute to the revitalisation and development of the domestic industry field.

At this point, I would like to congratulate the Hellenic Navy General Staff and all those who contributed to today’s event, which sheds light to a valuable historic legacy for the Hellenic Navy, the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Greek society.

Finally, I would like to respectfully pay homage to those who participated in the Navy’s Anti-junta Movement. To those who are still with us but also those who are not alive, whose memory fills our hearts.

Thank you all”.