The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, addressed the Officers, NCOs, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, National Guardsmen, Reservists, and Civilian Personnel of the Armed Forces in his Order of the Day regarding the National Anniversary of the 28th October 1940:
“Officers, NCOs, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, National Guardsmen, Reservists, and Civilian Personnel of the Armed Forces,
Today is not a simple reminder of a glorious moment of the past. It is a projection of the collective memory of a historic example.
84 years ago, our ancestors stood fast against the fascist threat. They defended the freedom of our Country, by showcasing our national dignity.
With the Armed Forces, namely the uniform expression of society and civilians, spearheading, they expressed the common idea of resistance and defended the ideals and values that have been guiding our national course through time; many of them paying the ultimate price, by giving up their lives, for the sake of that freedom.
The “OCHI” of 1940 constitutes a timeless response to any attempt to dispute our independence. It constitutes a major symbol of the denial to surrender, which is deeply rooted in our collective conscience. A symbolism spelled with three letters.
In our times, the capability to repeat those letters, if needed, is strengthened through our stable Alliances, and mainly, through the powerful Hellenic Armed Forces, which protect the Greek, and consequently the European, borders effectively.
Men and women of the Armed Forces.
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to Country and Society.
Your role surpasses the traditional limits of National Defence and expands to the need for contribution to society in its time of need.
Honour the Anniversary of the 28th October as you should: by remaining focused on your duties.
National Defence does not have room for mistakes. You know that better than everyone.
Your constitutional duty does not allow for falter or complacency.
Long live the 28th October 1940!
Long live the Hellenic Armed Forces!
Long live the Nation!”
