The New Year’s celebration was held in the Ministry of National Defence today. The Armed Forces’ Joint Choir, the choirs of the Armour Training Centre, of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands and of the HAGS sang the carols from every region of Greece for the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias.
The celebration was also attended by the Alternate Minister of National Defence Fofi Gennimata, the Chief of HNDGS General Michail Kostarakos, the Chief of HNGS Vice Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, the Chief of HAFGS Lieutenant General Evangelos Tournas and the Chief of HAGS Lieutenant General Christos Manolas.
After the end of the celebration a joint band of the three branches of the Armed Forces sang the carols for the political and military leadership.
In his short address, the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias stated the following:
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, I will express everybody’s thoughts and emotions if I say that today – despite the festive tenor of the day – I feel close to the families of the people who mourn for the victims of the tragic accident of “Norman Atlantic”. And I think that our feelings are even closer to the families of the missing; to those people who wait to be informed about their relatives.
This was a very distressing fact. It was a causeless occurrence. But I have to tell you that, despite the adverse circumstances, the Armed Forces of the country not only performed their duty effectively, but they made us all proud as well; and they once more persuaded the Greek people that they may count on the Armed Forces.
I am well aware of the risks which the crew of these rescue teams of the helicopters faced. I am well aware of the huge efforts of our ships and I ought to say that they made us all proud. At a time when our society and our country are confronting difficulties it is extremely important to see actions which, despite the adversities, make us feel proud of what we are, what we represent, of the example that our country’s Armed Forces create.
I would like to congratulate them all. I would also like to say that these personnel will be honoured as they deserve it, right after New Year’s Day; on the one hand, because our country ought to and must acknowledge their efforts and, on the other hand, because an example should be always given. We must show the society that there are people who act beyond their forces and whose sense of duty and sense of commitment to the insignia they bear and to what they represent, is even higher than the instinct of self-preservation.
Tomorrow is New Year’s Day. A new year begins. A new beginning; a new chance for something better. I believe that whatever may happen, our country will overcome this crisis sooner or later. And I would like to wish you all, to everybody personally as well as to the families who support you in what you do, in your service to the country, to have a Happy New Year. I express you my best wishes and my enormous gratitude for your services to the country.
Thank you very much.
Happy New Year!”
