The pride “to lead the Ministry of National Defense” and his pleasure to the officers of the Armed Forces “for the smooth execution of your duties, for your high morale and your readiness” and for the fact that “fulfilling your mission , with zeal and professionalism, you give strength to all of us to cope with the challenges of the times, making the Armed Forces the most impregnable pillar of national power”, expressed the Minister of National Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos in his agenda, on the occasion of the anniversary of the national rebirth of March 25, 1821 and the celebration of the Annunciation of the Virgin.

“The period we are going through, he added, is characterized by reshuffles, challenges, threats and revisionism, which are combined with dangerous practices in the field. A constant and unceasing struggle is required to preserve the good of liberty and defend our national interests.

In a time of uncertainty and threats, we must be prepared and ready to act with vigor and determination, to strengthen the Armed Forces and defend our national rights. The continuous assessment of situations and the utilization of new opportunities, wherever and whenever they present themselves, are key factors for the progress, strength and prosperity of our Country”, he observed.

At the same time, Mr. Panagiotopoulos emphasized that “the government and the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense, with consistency and a sense of responsibility, act with the aim of strengthening the deterrent capacity and strengthening the Armed Forces, through defense diplomacy, the upgrading of weapons systems and of staff enhancement, which is our main power multiplier.

With consistency in our initial planning and in continuation of the effort we put in, we have succeeded in shielding our country, giving the citizens of our country, not just the feeling, but the certainty of security from any external threat,” he says.

Mr. Panagiotopoulos characterizes the anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821 as “a special milestone in the course of Hellenism through the ages”, pointing out that “two centuries after the Greek Revolution, we are convinced that the saying “Freedom or Death” was a slogan of conscious choice and attitude of life, which teaches us that he who is determined to sacrifice for his rights, is not deterred by negative associations of numerical and material power. He becomes invincible!!!”

Concluding, the Minister of National Defense emphasizes: “Women and men of the Armed Forces, inspired by the immortal tradition of 1821, to continue with high morale, constant vigilance, faith and commitment to our common ideals, to carry out, under any circumstances, the duties you, defending the supreme good of liberty, for which our forefathers fought and sacrificed.”