The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias, addressed the following Order of the Day to the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, National Guards, Reserves, and Civilian Personnel of the Armed Forces, on the occasion of the National Anniversary of the 25th of March 1821:
“Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, Reserves and Civilian Personnel,
Today marks the beginning of our National Palingenesis.
We honour the Fighters, who chose to rise and claim their Independence from Ottoman oppression.
The historic path of Hellenism is a path of Struggles.
The Freedom of nations has not been granted for free during the course of humanity.
The independence that we enjoy today, the Country, which we have built, the Hellenic Republic, are all the result of constant effort making.
Besides, History has taught us that nothing is to be taken for granted. National Sovereignty requires vigilance. It mainly requires the Strength to protect it.
Hence, it requires Powerful Armed Forces. The geopolitical reality confirms this fact daily.
Greece is located in an area of multiple complex challenges. From traditional military conflicts to hybrid threats, the safety of our country requires a new strategic approach and modern, Force multiplying assets.
Thus, Greece does not remain complacent.
We are implementing the biggest Armed Forces reform in the history of the Modern Hellenic Nation, with the “Agenda 2030”.
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We are multiplying our operational capabilities.
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We are modernising our equipment.
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We are investing in innovation and new technologies.
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We are upgrading our defence infrastructure.
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We are fortifying our strategic position in the broader region.
Greece has historically maintained a deterrent attitude in its strategy.
Maintaining its sovereign rights with dedication to International Law and the principles of peaceful co-existence.
The National Anniversary coincides with the celebration of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, the Patron Saint of our Armed Forces. The Orthodox faith is, as I have repeated numerous times, an element of the identity of Modern Hellenism.
It is only by maintaining the elements of our national identity thriving, that Greece will stand strong, stable and dominant, ready to respond to the challenges of the times.
And it is the current time that calls us to be vigilant.
Today is not only a day of remembrance. It is mainly a day of responsibility. We have to be as worthy as our ancestors, with unity, determination, and strategic potential.
We have to remember that the Armed Forces are the foundation of our society’s National Security. That means the Security of all Greek women and men.
I would like to thank you for your dedication to your duty.
For your commitment to the Country.
For your contribution in maintaining peace, stability, and our freedom.
May Virgin Mary protect all of you, your families, and, of course, the whole nation.
Long live the 25th of March 1821!
Long live the Armed Forces!
Long live Greece!”.