Officers, NCOs, Privates, Seamen, Airmen and Civilian Personnel

November 17th is a day of symbolism and commemoration, dedicated to those who struggled with strength and spontaneousness to restore the democracy in our country.

The students’ uprising in the Technical University of Athens became the fuse of further developments and it was a practical proof that the Greek people unanimously, regardless of any political or ideological preference and beyond any existential aspects cannot put up with mentalities and regimes which abolish democratic institutions, undermine democratic freedoms and corrupt the concept of rule of law.

The Greek state pays tribute to the fighters of the Technical University, to the Greek youth who honoured our democratic traditions with their passion and pointed out once more that every great democratic achievement – every democratic change – is achieved by going beyond any everyday and petty issues, through a collective struggle and unselfish social effort.

This message remains topical today too, given the difficulties which the Greek people is going through and the struggle of our country for a financial and social reorganization.

At this time of challenges and of a historical responsibility for our nation, we all must

overcome the “insufficient” mentality of the past
combine our differences and contradictions constructively and participate as active citizens to the developments and institutions of our regime, thus answering, in the most clear manner, to all those who try to reduce and degrade the tremendous institutional, historic and values capital of the modern Greek republic.

Women and Men of the Armed Forces,

This distressing interlude of the seven years’ dictatorship which offended the honour and unity bonds of the Greek people with the Armed Forces is now a remote past.

Today the Armed Forces of our country, as everybody acknowledges it, are the pillar of the Nation and of democratic institutions.

Through your absolute loyalty and devotion to the national duty, you all, permanent cadres, conscripts and civilians of the Armed Forces, you form a reliable and strong national defence system which guarantees not only the integrity and independence of our country, but the wider stability in the region of SE Mediterranean and Balkans.

In land, sea and air, day and night, you ensure the interests of the entire Greek people and you support every national effort for the consolidation of peace, international legitimacy and of our financial prosperity.

Realising the burden of this responsibility and your high mission you did not allow yourselves to be discouraged by the introversion and the adversities of our time. With your attitude and your example, you are an example of strength and moral values, unselfish help to citizens and society, worthy successors of those who gave a noble struggle for the restoration of the democracy and the accomplishment of the Greek people’s expectations about forty years ago.

On the occasion of this commemoration day I ask you to keep serving your constitutional mission with the same vigour and feel proud of your work and the confidence relation that you have consolidated with the Greek people.

The Minister of National Defence

                                                                                                                                                                                      Nikos Dendias