The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, following the flag-flying at half-mast ceremony, which took place at the Ministry of National Defence, and the memorial service held for the loss of the two Hellenic Air Force Officers, who were carrying out firefighting operations in Évia, stated as follows: “I joined today the political and military leadership of the Armed Forces in the flag-flying at half-mast ceremony held at the Ministry of National Defence to mark the three-day mourning period of the Armed Forces for the loss of the two Hellenic Air Force Officers. Captain (P) Christos Moulas and 2nd Lieutenant (P) Pericles Stefanidis lost their lives in the line of duty in Évia. I would like to convey anew the condolences of both the Government and of all Greeks to their families and colleagues. Greece is in mourning. I would also like to announce that, pursuant to a decision of the Joint Chiefs of General Staff Council and a proposal of the Chief/HNDGS, General Konstantinos Floros, the two Officers are granted the rank of Lieutenant General.We subsequently attended the memorial service held for the repose of their souls at the Holy Church of Virgin Mary at Papagos Camp.Their memory will forever live, along with the memory of those pilots, who lost their lives in the line of duty while exhibiting self-denial, during the ongoing battle to protect the national integrity, the lives and properties of Greek people, and our country’s natural environment. I would like to reiterate what is self-evident: no flying asset operates without prior technical maintenance. Therefore, I would like to thank the Hellenic Air Force engineers for their strenuous work and effort, which render the firefighting flying assets operable. My sincere deepest condolences to the families of our pilots as well as to the big family of the Hellenic Air Force and to our country’s Armed Forces.
