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Deputy Minister of National Defence Giannis Kefalogiannis Attends Armed Forces Day Event at Athens Concert Hall

November 22, 2024

On Thursday, 21 November 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannisattended, as representative of the Prime Minister, the event for the Armed Forces Day that took place at the Athens Concert Hall, in the presence of Her Excellency, the President of the Republic Ms. Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou.

Mr. Kefalogiannis highlighted the Government's initiatives to enhance the combat power of the Armed Forces and support the personnel. At the same time, he stressed that, in the modern complex geopolitical environment, the Hellenic Armed Forces constitute the multiplier of our country's diplomatic and defence power, aiming at peace, progress, and cooperation, having always, however, in mind the protection of national interests, stressing that the Armed Forces personnel are ready, with calmness, decisiveness, high morale, and cautiousness, to deal with any challenge.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief of Hellenic Army General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios - Eleftherios KatarasHN, and the Chief of Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General (HAF) Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, as well as representatives of the Hellenic Parliament, political parties, former Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikramenos, members of the Government, representatives of the Security Forces, Embassies, former Ministers, Honorary Chiefs of General Staff, as well as active duty and retired Officers.

In his address, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated, among others:

"I am deeply moved by the opportunity to attend, as representative of the Prime Minister, this emblematic event in honour of our country's Armed Forces. I am also very proud for having the honour and pleasure of serving in the Ministry of National Defence and cooperating with the worthy personnel of our Armed Forces.

There are no words to describe the continuous contribution of the Armed Forces to the country and the Greek people. The Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, since the establishment of the Hellenic state, and the Hellenic Air Force later have always participated in all the Nation's struggles. They have fought to the bitter end for the high ideals of Hellenism, leaving an indelible mark on the survival of the Greek Nation and the creation of the Hellenic state.From the Macedonian Struggle and the heroic land and naval battles of the Balkan Wars, through the victories of WWI and the 1940 epic, to the modern era, the Hellenic Armed Forces have forced enemies and allies alike to accept their value, protecting our national sovereignty and thus providing the necessary space and time for the Greek society to grow and prosper.

However, the contribution of the Armed Forces to Greek society goes beyond the protection of our sovereign rights. The enormous continuous social contribution of the Armed Forces is commonly accepted and appreciated by all Greeks. From the time when the Armed Forces contributed to the implementation of technical projects for the construction of critical infrastructure at the most remote areas of our Country to the present day, when the worthy personnel of the Armed Forces contribute to various areas, assisting Civil Protection in case of natural and technological disasters, providing healthcare to residents of remote mainland areas and islands, contributing to the function of other state authorities such as the National Emergency Aid Centre and EFKA, and cooperating with local government for the implementation and completion of critical infrastructure. All this could not have been achieved without the ceaseless contribution, discipline, and professionalism of our Armed Forces personnel.

Officers, Warrant Officers, NCOs, Soldiers, men and women of the Armed Forces, it is you who, with your patriotism, dutifulness, and value, implement daily the planning and the orders of the Political and Military Leadership and for that you should not only be congratulated, but further recognised and respected. However, beyond the Armed Forces personnel, I must also make a special reference to their families. The parents, spouses and children who uncomplainingly sacrifice valuable family time, having their loved ones away for long periods of time, shouldering family obligations and concerns, and being the necessary support for Greek servicemen to carry out their duty without distractions. We thank you and we are grateful.

The Hellenic Government, acknowledging the critical role, work, and contribution of the Hellenic Armed Forces, supports their operational work through certain policies, acquiring modern assets, such as the BELHARRA frigates and the RAFALE aircraft, modernising and supporting older weapon systems such as the F-16, and overall upgrading the combat readiness of the Armed Forces.

Having acknowledged that the personnel is the critical element to maintain and upgrade the power of the Armed Forces, we have planned and proceed with the implementation of a series of initiatives for fairer compensation of the personnel, resolving housing needs, upgrading academic training and healthcare and in general dealing with their problems so that they can carry out their duty without distractions.

In the modern complex geopolitical environment, with its threats and challenges, the Hellenic Armed Forces constitute the multiplier of our country's diplomatic and defence power. Aiming at peace, progress, and cooperation, having always, however, in mind the protection of national interests, with national unity, the Armed Forces personnel are ready, with calmness, decisiveness, high morale, and cautiousness, to deal with any challenge".