In the framework of the celebration of the patron of Gytheion, The Presentation of The Lord, the Deputy Minister of National Defence and MP for Laconia Thanasis Davakis, today, on Monday 2 February 2026, attended the event honouring and commemorating the Laconian Airmen fallen in the line of duty. An initiative of the Holy Metropolis of Mani and the Municipality of Eastern Mani, under the Aegis of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff.

The Deputy Minister, accompanied by the Chief/HAFGS, Lieutenant General Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, in his brief address stated, among others:

“The two memorial plaques in front of us, bearing the names of the heroes of our Air Force, make up Laconia’s history with the air force. They are names of people, many belonging to our famous families, of our land, who, obeying duty and the Air Force’s march “if fate’s decree it be for me to perish, in the Air plane’s cockpit will I meet Death’s embrace with relish”, they declared that the skies of our country will be ever blue.

Our airmen sacrificed their life, with their guiding compass being pure patriotism, fidelity, and devotion to liberty. We do nothing more than honour these ideals and legacy, and recognise the debt we owe them.

This history is a commitment for all us, to defend our ideals with our blood, with our soul, and our life, whenever necessary. The personnel of all three services of our Armed Forces, will do what our Laconian countrymen did, where- and whenever necessary.

I am proud as a representative of the political leadership of the Ministry of National Defence, as a Laconian, and as a Maniot, since we are their descendants. They will forever be Immortals!”