ATHENS – “Today we honour the Armed Forces of the country, expressing our gratitude for all that they offer. Day and night, at every moment and on every speck of land, sea and air of the country. Their dedication to duty, professionalism and discipline make all Greek women and all Greek men proud,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a social media post on Tuesday, on the anniversary of Armed Forces’ Day.

He noted that November 21 was a day to celebrate the men and women currently serving in the military and to remember those who sacrificed themselves in its service, adding: “For this reason the respect of the State is now being transformed into active support, so that the blue shield of national defence becomes ever stronger.”

At a time of global upheaval and with a bloody crisis within Greece’s neighbourhood, Mitsotakis said, the Armed Forces were emerging not only as a guarantor of Greece’s independence and sovereignty but also as a pillar of peace and stability throughout the southeastern Mediterranean.

Sakellaropoulou: We are proud of the high level of readiness of the Armed Forces

President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou attended the service at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens for the celebration of Armed Forces Day and then laid a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

In her statement she underlined that “today we honour the Armed Forces of our country, their glorious history and their great contribution to the nation’s struggles. As well as those who fought and gave their lives for our freedom.”

She also said that “we are proud of the high level of readiness of the men and women who serve on land, in the sky and at sea. Dedication to duty and loyalty to their mission are a guarantee of our national sovereignty.”

Defence Minister Dendias marks Armed Forces Day

November 11 should be declared Armed Forces Veterans Day, said National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias on Monday, who stood in for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the government during events marking Armed Forces Day on Tuesday.

This is “the least we can do to show our gratitude for those who did their duty for the country”, he noted.

In a statement, Dendias also pointed out that Greece’s armed forces “secure our national interests, the independence of our homeland, our sovereignty and sovereign rights, in every part of our national space, even in the most remote single-rock islet.”

At an event held in the Armed Forces Officers’ Club (LAED) Dendias met briefly with President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Parliament President Constantine Tassoulas, party leaders and military officials.

Earlier in the day, the minister attended a liturgy at the Athens Metropolis, as November 21 also happens to be the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated by the Othodox church. After the liturgy, Dendias attended a wreath laying by President Sakellaropoulou at the Unknown Soldier memorial.