Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Civilian Employees, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and National Guardsmen of the Hellenic Armed Forces,
today we celebrate as a Nation the most important landmark in our modern history, 25 March 1821, since it was then when the foundation was laid for national independence and the birth of the Modern Hellenic State. This anniversary is not simply a day of remembrance and pride in the revolutionary struggle of the Greeks against Ottoman rule, but also as a symbol and reminder of what a people can achieve with unity when the conditions and historical duty so require.
But the symbolism is even deeper; because, beyond the uniqueness of the moment in the modern history of the Greek Nation, beyond the unparalleled heroism, the unity, and the greatness of the man-centered civilisation of this country, a series of messages function, not only as national capital, but as a legacy of universal principles.
The Greeks did not just free themselves from Ottoman rule; they also showed to the entire Europe the importance of the peoples’ right to self-determination.
Our heroic ancestors were driven by their belief in ideals and the sacred duty to the country, themselves, their families, and the generations to come. They wanted to live free, keeping their religion, language, and identity. Thus, they tipped the scales of power, achieving what in the eyes of the world at the time seemed impossible.
That’s why we must let the wisdom of our history guide us. The history of the Hellenic Nation, which teaches and provides warnings, which inspires and is admired by the entire world, which is the source and inspiration, to which we must also resort in order to successfully fight our own struggles. Today, through consensus and a synthesis of forces and views, we are once again called as a Nation to overcome challenges and difficulties and move forward.
Men and women of the Armed Forces,
the escalating challenges and new security challenges in our broader region require us to be even more alert and armed with calmness and decisiveness.
In our complex and unstable geopolitical environment, our country promotes peace and cooperation. It constantly promotes, in close cooperation with our Cypriot brothers, the security dialogue among the countries in the broader region of the Balkans and Southeast Mediterranean, always based on International Law and good neighbourly relations.
This requires from every one of us strict devotion to duty, collective effort, and national consensus. We must move forward with consensus and mutual trust and fulfil our responsibilities so that Greece can continue to be a pillar of stability and security in our country’s broader area of responsibility.
Within this framework, the country’s Armed Forces are always at the front line, strong, reliable, and ready to protect our country’s national integrity. The Hellenic Armed Forces execute this mission to the fullest.
Men and women of the Armed Forces,
freedom requires virtue and daring and you are its guardians and protectors.
I assure you that you are our most important force multiplier. Your high professionalism, combined with your military virtues and devotion to the mission, produces high level results to the benefit of our Country and the Greek society, with whom we have a relationship of mutual respect and trust.
Please continue your great national work, acting as models and examples to be followed. The Hellenic State trusts you and the Political and Military leadership make every effort possible to deal with your problems and concerns, which you place below your duties, with dignity and selflessness. We believe that this is our moral obligation and duty.
Inspired by the meanings of the Anniversary of 21 March 1821 and based on our ideals and traditions, we gaze into the future of our country and Hellenism with confidence, optimism, and decisiveness.
Happy 25th of March to all.
Long live the 25th of March
Long live the Hellenic Armed Forces
Long live the Nation
