From the island of Ayios Efstratios, where he attended the memorial service that was held in honour of Lieutenant (AF) Nikolaos Sialmas at the monument of Fallen Airmen, at cape Sialmas (Tripiti), the Minister of National Defence Mr. F. Fragkos made the following statement:

“Mister Andreas,

brother of Nikos Sialmas,

brother’s spouse,

children,

mister Regional Governor,

mister Mayors,

Chiefs of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force,

Holy Fathers,

Today it is a very special moment, not just an emotive one since we are here at the place of sacrifice where Nikos Sialmas, doing his duty, ignored everything and performed more than a heroic action; he became the inspiration for us all. He gave tokens of bravery and character.

I feel that nothing has changed as far as all of us are concerned. Because today we are not pilgrims, mere soldiers paying homage to a hero. Your fellow colleagues are here. Your father is near to you. You have not left us.

Besides, the Holy Fathers during the memorial have placed you not only in the Pantheon of Heroes, but also in the Pantheon of Saints. God has surely rested your soul. Besides resting your soul, He also gives courage to all of us today, during these grievous and difficult times, so that we can gaze into the future with optimism, for when we have men who sacrifice their lives, everything else pertaining to everyday life, are a simple practice, yet tough. However you, with your principles and values which characterized you, with your faith to the country, you have shown to all of us that we do negotiate neither our moral values, nor our national sovereignty.

One thing is certain here where have come your colleagues of all services, but in particular our airmen, the pride of the Hellenic people, that they continue their struggle and preserve not just the national sovereignty of the airspace, but also send you a message from these heights. Up there, at the sky, where you are.

Since the Hellenic people are listening, we would like to assure him that the financial sacrifices they make will not go to waste. Consequently, do not be preoccupied with thoughts concerning national; loss of sovereignty or geostrategic slippage. Because when you have losses at economic level, they can be replenished. However, as far as issues on the existence of this country are concerned, no compromises can be made. All of us who are present here today, we declare it, in memory of Nikos, mister Andreas, we declare that we will not deny it. We are proud of you, for you endure, you go on and you have come here with us not just to pay homage and communicate with Nikos. I know that you talk with him every day.

All of us we pay homage to the hero, the wasted Nikolaos Sialmas, with great respect to what he did and which is an inspiring example for the future and current personnel serving in the Armed Forces.

LONG LIVE THE IMMORTAL HERO NIKOLAOS SIALMAS”.