Officers, NCOs, Privates, Sailors, Airmen, Territorial Soldiers and Civilians,

Today, we are celebrating and honouring the 28th of October 1940, a glorious page of our modern history and a day of commemorating and  paying homage to the heroism of our ancestors.

The immortal “NO” reminds us not only of the struggles of the Greek nation through time, but also of the interminable faith of the Greek people in the defence of the high values of freedom and democracy.

The flow of the events of World War II changed on the 28th of October 1940, when Greece stood tall vis-à-vis fascism and Nazism which domineered the peoples of Europe, when there was nowhere in the free then world a ray of light. Greece stood tall, representing the civilized world, against the dark forces of the time, and reiterated once more during its long history the phrase “come and get” by a resounding “NO”.
 
This word caused the surprise and the admiration of the whole world, and at the same time the incredible courage, heroism and untamed soul of the Greek people, demolished all arrogant ambitions of fascism.

The epic of 1940 is a remarkable achievement of true, pure patriotism in the country which defined in all its content the sense of “homeland” and where the meaning of the word was realized to such an extent that the ultimate moral value of homeland  was praised by the words of Socrates in the saying “ Fatherland is something more honourable, more venerable and more holly than father and mother and all the other forbearers”.  

The 1940 generation defended the word “NO” by epic struggles in the battle fields. Kalpaki, Moravas, Korytsa, Trembesina, are some of the blood-shed monuments of sacrifice of the glorious Hellenic Army. At the same time, at sea the submarines of our Navy terrified the enemy, while in the air the heroic battles of our airmen caused the grounding of the Italian Air Force. These unsung heroes were the reason the leaders of the free world of the time conveyed spirited messages which culminated in the  infamous “ we will not say hereafter that Greeks fight like heroes but heroes fight like Greeks”.
 
Since past is revived via commemoration, the heroic epic of 1940 keeps and enhances the aspiration and hope for the future of the Homeland, by being a source of pride and national elation for all Greeks.  

Women and Men of the Armed Forces,

Greece is the main pillar for security, stability and growth in the wider region of South-east Europe. 

The Armed Forces as a main factor of national power and deterrence with their high morale reinforce the national confidence, optimism, faith and decisiveness, while at the same time they forge on a daily basis strong ties with our society, by means of the invaluable social work they offer.   
       

You have dedicated your lives in the service of the ultimate good which is no other than defending your country. Especially today when Turkey is disputing the international law and international treaties, you are always ready to defend the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.
       

You have shown to the global community that Greece is a pioneer in the work of humanitarian support of refugees, by your direct, constant and determining contribution to the refugee issue, as is imposed by the long-standing traditions of our tribe,  support and hospitality.  
 

The entire nation honours and thanks you because you give courage and strength to face all generalised challenges of our times, at national and regional level.

This is why the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence, the Prime-Minister and the whole government can only utter words of gratitude and recognition for what you have offered.

Allow me to reassure you once more that despite the difficult fiscal conditions, the injustices and the objective problems, there is a constant effort under way in cooperation with the military leadership to resolve all issues   the personnel is faced with, which will help you execute your high mission without obstacles.

Keep your morale at high levels. Your country entrusts you with its future and the Greek people with the safeguarding of peace and prosperity. Today we are paying homage to the glorious heroes of 1940 and we express our certainty that you are their worthy successors.

With the blessings of the Invincible Champion, I wish all the best to you and your families.

Long Live the 28th October 1940
Long Live the Hellenic Armed Forces
Long Live the Nation