On Sunday, 11 February 2024, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Ioannis Kefalogiannis attended the remembrance event, organised by the Knowledge, History, and Civilization Workshop of the Aghios Georgios parish, under the auspices of the Municipality of Anogia, for the 80 years from the execution of the Leader of the National Resistance Ioannis Dramountanis-Stefanogiannis.
In the context of the events, the Armed Forces were honoured for their contribution to the country and a doxology took place at the Church of Aghios Georgios, as well as a memorial service and a wreath laying. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Unions, Cultural Institutions, as well as many people.
The Deputy Minister stated in his address:
“There are, in the history of peoples, important events that leave an indelible mark both at a national and local level. Today is such a day, and with great emotion we perform the memorial service for the 80 years from the execution of the Leader of Anogia and Ano Mylopotamos, Ioannis Dramountanis-Stefanogiannis. His contribution to the monumental Resistance of the people of Crete during the 1941-1944 period is invaluable. He was one of the Cretans that the German Authorities put a price on his head during the Occupation, who, throughout the four-year slavery, remained one of the most wanted Cretans. Thanks to his action, Psiloritis remained free, offering refuge both to the fighting Greeks and the British soldiers who could not follow their comrades after the battle of Crete. Ioannis Dramountanis-Stefanogiannis not only lived as a hero, but also died as one. He himself decided to die with pride; to take that leap for freedom that only great men do. True to our duty, we pay tribute and our due respect to our dead heroes. To those who did not hesitate to sacrifice their life for the great ideals, that is freedom, independence, and the territorial integrity of our country. May the earth be light on them.
Thank you”.