On Sunday, 21 January 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Ioannis Kefalogiannis, representing the President of the Hellenic Government, attended the honouring and remembrance events for the 200 years anniversary of the holocaust of Melidonio Cave.
In the context of the above-stated events, a pontifical mass took place at the Church of the Annunciation of Virgin Mary, officiated by the Metropolitan of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, Prodromos. A memorial service and a wreath-laying ceremony followed, and the festivities were concluded with musical performances and traditional dances by dancing companies of the city.
The Deputy Minister stated in his address:
“We pay tribute to our dead people, who gave their life in order for our country to be free. The messages arising from the sacrifice of our glorious ancestors are everlasting. Today, the women and men of the Armed Forces strive every day to defend the territorial integrity and the rights of our country.”