“The national anniversary of the glorious “NO” is a day of remembrance, honor and responsibility for all those who fought and sacrificed for our freedom,” said the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulouimmediately after the conclusion of the great military parade, on the beach avenue of Megalo Alexandrou.

“The strength and like-mindedness of the heroes of the 1940s are a valuable legacy and a bright example for the future. On the occasion of today’s brilliant parade, I would like to praise our Armed Forces, who with a high sense of responsibility guarantee the security and territorial integrity of our homeland. Happy birthday”, pointed out Mrs. Sakellaropoulou.

The highlight of the parade was communication, via radio, of the President of the Republic with squadron commander Georgios Sotirioucommander of the F-16 fighter aircraft, of the “ZEUS” Air Demonstration Group, who caused admiration with his impressive precision exercises and dangerous maneuvers over the parade ground, taking the spectators’ breath away.

In the words of Kostis Palamas, “We owe it to those who came, passed, will come, will pass,” from the cockpit of the F-16, the squadron leader sent his own message and continued: “Let us honor the sacrifices of the past with unity and devotion to the motherland looking forward to a bright future. Happy birthday Thessaloniki! Happy birthday Greece!”.

The dialogue with the squadron leader

“Mr. Sminage, today we honor the heroes who sacrificed for our freedom, as well as our Armed Forces who daily confront history, in every corner of our country on land, sky and sea. The Greek people respect and trust you. Happy Birthday!”, Ms. Sakellaropoulou responded to his greeting.

The formations of fighter jets and helicopters that flew over the new beach of Thessaloniki were also impressive.

State-of-the-art weapon systems of the Greek Armed Forces, motorized and infantry units of the Land Army, the Air Force and the Navy, the Fire Brigade, the Police and the Coast Guard took part in the parade.

In the first part, political groups paraded and the spring weather helped that many Thessalonians watched the parade by taking positions on both sides of Megalo Alexandrou avenue and combined it with a walk on the new beach.

The procession with the President of the Republic stopped at a distance from the official platform and Mrs. Sakellaropoulou walked this route.

The parade was attended by the Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias, the Minister of Defense of Cyprus Vassilis Palmas, the secretary general of the K.O. Parliamentary Group of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance Nikos Pappas, the Deputy Minister of Interior (Macedonia-Thrace) Kostas Giulekas, the president of the “Spartans” Vassilis Stigas, the MEP Manolis Fragos as a representative of the “Hellenic Solution”, MPs, MEPs, the deputy regional governor of Central Athena Aedonas of Macedonia, the mayor of Thessaloniki Stelios Angeloudis, Metropolitan Philotheos, the head of GEETHA general Dimitrios Houpis and the leadership of the Armed Forces and Security Forces, consuls etc.

Before the start of the parade, the President of the Republic placed a wreath on the Hero of the 3rd Army Corps.