Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Militiamen, and Civilian Employees,

the anniversary of 28 October 1940, which we honour today, is a day of national unity and pride, while the events of the 1940 epic constitute yet another page of heroism in our long history.

We recall with great emotion and admiration the days when the entire Greek people wrote unfading pages of glory fighting the fascist attack against our Country.

An attack that started with the cowardly sinking of the cruiser “Elli” on 15 August 1940, an attack that was indicative of Mussolini’s expansionist intentions and unholy aspirations.

On 28 October 1940 we were asked to give up our proud history and forget that this land gave birth to Leonidas, Kolokotronis, and so many other heroes. The answer was “OHI” (“No”). An “OHI” that reaffirmed the Greek people’s sacred covenant with history. An “OHI” that filled our Allies with hope and admiration.

An “OHI” that reminded again the whole world of Leonidas’ “Molon lave”, of Konstantinos Paleologos’ “To surrender the city to you…”, of the 1821 fighters’ “Freedom or Death”.
Across Greece, Cyprus, and the Diaspora, enthusiasm overflowed. Everyone, united, fought the battle and the invasion was successfully repelled thanks to the unbroken resistance of the Hellenic Armed Forces and the moral strength of the Greek fighter. As Aristotle wrote, «Ανδρείος ο περί τον καλόν θάνατον αδεής» (The courageous man will be one who is fearless in the face of an honourable death). And the heroes of 1940 were truly courageous!

The Greek fighters’ battle cry “AERA” echoed on the Epirus mountains and filled the enemy troops with fear. The Hellenic Army liberated the cities of North Epirus one after the other: Korytsa, Moschopoli, Premeti, Argyrokastro, Himarra, and Klisoura. The Hellenic Navy, with the submarine “Papanikolis”, wrote history at sea, while the Hellenic Air Force produced heroes like Mitralexis and Valkanas.  

But Greece’s heroic resistance was also a historical event of great importance to the whole world, critical for the course of WWII. Because the eternal Greek “OHI” includes not only the struggles of the Greek Nation to defend its freedom, but also the safeguarding of the high values of the free and civilised world.

Men and women of the Armed Forces,

that was the great Greek struggle of the 1940 epic. A struggle of universal character and a sacrifice by the Greek Nation upon the altar of freedom.

Today, more than ever, we need to keep this struggle as a sacred relic and keep reminding our friends and enemies something very important and great, that Greece is free because of the sacrifices and the blood given by our heroes in the field of battle.

We are going through a period of geopolitical challenges and changes, which unfold rapidly. Greece has a strong and dynamic presence in the international political scene and constitutes a pillar of stability and peace in the broader Southeast Mediterranean region, contributing to the promotion of co-operation between peoples, governed with confidence against the challenges of the modern world.

Thanks to you, we can send the message that characterises us as a nation, the message of peace and security, friendship and co-operation, as well as decisiveness to defend our national rights.

Our Armed Forces, with decisiveness and calmness, are vigilant and always ready, in Thrace, in the islands of the Aegean, in the mainland, at sea and in the air.

Our cadres, enlisted soldiers, and militiamen defend our country’s territorial integrity and independence, fully embracing their oath to the Flag, “to defend it to the last drop of their blood” and to secure the most sacred goods, the country’s freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

The political and military leadership of the Ministry of National Defence keeps directing its efforts towards the constant reinforcement of the Armed Forces, thus increasing our deterrence capabilities. At the same time, we have actions in progress towards the drastic improvement of the living conditions of our cadres and enlisted soldiers, a goal of paramount importance to us.

I would like once again to congratulate you for your excellent performance of your mission and your valuable contribution to society, whenever needed.

Men and women of the Armed Forces,

celebrating the 77th anniversary of the 1940 epic, let us honour and express our gratitude to our heroes and give our own promise that we will keep their struggles and achievements as a beacon of our national conscience.

Honour and glory to the heroic generation of 1940 that gave everything for the Nation and our religion. Under the protection of the Holy Theotokos, I am asking you to continue your work with the same eagerness.

Long live the Nation,
Long live the 28 October 1940,
Long live the Armed Forces

 -The-
  Minister of National Defence
  Panos Kammenos