Defence Redefined

Published on 22/03/2021 at 15:27

During today’s briefing of political authors, the government spokesperson, Aristotelia Peloni, referred to the celebration of March 25, saying that “these days the preparations for the March 25 celebrations are being completed. On the one hand, the events will take place this year according to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic and, on the other hand, with special brilliance, as Greece celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Revolution of 1821.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiadis, the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Misustin – with whom Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will have separate meetings – as well as the Prince Charles of Wales, heir to the British throne, have been invited and are expected to attend the events.

“Due to the state of emergency caused by the outbreak of the pandemic in France, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, will not be able to attend so the country will be represented by the French Minister of Defence, Florence Parley.”

In detail, as Ms. Peloni stated: “the events will start on Wednesday afternoon, March 24, at the renovated and modernized complex of the National Gallery, where the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister and the invited leaders will be given a tour, with an emphasis on paintings of the Revolution of 1821. In the evening of the same day, all honourable guests will attend a formal dinner at the Presidential Palace.

In the morning of March 25, the Doxology will be performed in the Diocese of Athens, in the presence of a limited number of members of the state, political and military leadership of the country. Wreaths will be laid at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier and the national anthems of Greece and the honored countries will be heard.

Right after that, the military parade will begin, in which soldiers as well as mechanized and air units of the Armed Forces, the Greek Police and the Fire Brigade will participate. For the first time, parts from allied countries will take part in the parade. Along with Greek aircraft, American F-16s and Rafale formations of the French Air Force will soar in the sky.

In the benefit of public health, the parade will take place without the presence of people. Women and men in Greece and abroad – as well as any citizen – will have the opportunity to watch it on ERT channel. The broadcast will be enriched with footage from the modern city and its historical monuments depicting modern Greece that walks with national confidence and strong alliances. An attractive and extroverted country, proud of its history, building the future with optimism.”

Also read: March 25th parade celebrated with splendour | Putin, Macron and Prince Charles to attend as guests