NEWS

November 21, the day when the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated, is also Armed Forces Day for the Hellenic State. The celebration of this day was established in 1975, as prior to that it was celebrated on Assumption Day, on August 15, except during the dictatorship period when it was celebrated on August 29.

In his speech, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA), General Konstantinos Floros, first spoke of the sacrifices of the fallen who have perpetuated the freedom of Hellenism for centuries, referring to the Marathon Fighters and the fallen in Cyprus. In addition, he honorably referred to the officers of the Armed Forces who fell while on duty, emphasising the dangers the Army is subject to. 

Then, with reference to the officers of the Armed Forces, General Floros stressed the difficulty and the requirements of their work. He characteristically stated that the soul of the Greek fighter and the firepower of our weapon systems constitute deterrence for any potential intruder.

Finally, he said that friends, allies and potential intruders must learn that the officers of the Hellenic Armed Forces will always stand up for their weapons and that they do not intend to surrender the Homeland any smaller! The speech of the Chief of GEETHA concluded with words from the oath of the Athenian teenagers: “Οὐ καταισχυνῶ τὰ ὅπλα τὰ ἱερὰ! Καὶ τὴν Πατρίδα οὐκ ἐλάσσω παραδώσω!”

With information from: GEETHA, San simera

Also read: St. Barbara, patron saint of the Artillery, honoured by the National Guard and the Hellenic Army General Staff – VIDEO