08/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/23/2024 02:22
On Thursday 22 August 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Giannis Kefalogianis represented the Prime Minister in the Honour and Memory Events for the 80thAnniversary of the Holocaust of the villages of Kentros (Gerakari, Ano Meros, Drygies, Vryses, Gourgouthi, Kardaki, Smiles, Krya Vrysi) by the Nazi occupation troops, held at the Municipality of Gerakari.
Mr. Kefalogiannis attended the Archieratical Liturgy at the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Gerakari.
Next, he attended the Memorial Service, officiated by his Eminence, the Metropolitan of Lampi, Syvritos and Sfakia Irineos and laid a wreath at the Fallen Memorial of the Municipality of Gerakari.
A roll call of the dead followed, as well as a "Silent Pentozali" by the traditional association "Akrites". In the context of the events, a tour took place at the site of the exhibitions of WWII war material: "Crete 1941-1944" and linotypes on the subject "Flashback to the old times: Australians in Crete".
The Deputy Minister stated in his address:
"With great emotion, I represented the Prime Minister, in the commemorative events here in Gerakari for the 80thAnniversary of the Holocaust of the villages of Kentros by the Nazi occupation troops.
We paid tribute to the 164 heroic residents of the villages, who sacrificed their lives for freedom and defended, with self-sacrifice, the rights of the Hellenic Nation. The messages from their sacrifice are everlasting and it is our debt to keep the historic memory alive.
Today, getting inspired by the greatness of our ancestors, the women and men of the Armed Forces defend with self-denial the territorial integrity of our Country, on land, sea and in the air, protecting the ideals of freedom and independence".