The Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos represented the Government at the parade for the anniversary of 25 March 1821, which was attended by HE the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
The parade was also attended by the Minister of the Armed Forces of France, Ms. Florence Parly, and the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Charalambos Petrides. as well as the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikolaos Chardalias, the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros, the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Charalampos Lalousis, the Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Stylianos Petrakis HN, and the Chief of Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General (HAF) Themistoklis Bourolias.
The parade was also attended by party representatives, Members of Parliament, Regional and Local Government officials, and representatives of the Church.
After the parade, the Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos made the following statement:
“Today we celebrate under the sun of Athens our religious holiday, the Annunciation of the Theotokos, and, of course, the great anniversary of the 1821 Revolution, honouring the memory of those who fought and sacrificed themselves so that Greece is free, independent, and sovereign.
We are facing numerous very dangerous and complex challenges in our days, successive crises, crises that require strength and resilience in order to be dealt with successfully.
But we can draw courage and inspiration from the example of the 1821 fighters. We have to, we have no choice but to fight and overcome these challenges, together with our allies. We must endure, because we are Greeks.
We stand against any irredentism, no matter where it comes from. We stand for the territorial sovereignty and independence of all countries. Let us draw inspiration from the from the 1821 fighters and always keep in mind that great victories came when we were united, while great defeats in our history came when we fought with each other.
I would like to congratulate all Armed Forces personnel who, with a sense of duty and professionalism, fulfil their mission and provide security for the Greek people, as well as remind that our duty is to fight for an even greater overall upgrade of the Armed Forces, because this is the only way for Greece to be able, together with its allies, to protect our sovereign rights and national interests.
Happy 25th of March to Greece!
Long live the 25th of March!
Long live the Nation!
Thank you”.
Before the parade, the Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos attended the doxology at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens and then laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a representative of the Government.
