It is a special honour for me to be invited to address the presentation ceremony of the Ministry of Education's book "The Hero Tasos Markos", which is dedicated to the ardent fighter and immortal hero of our country's modern history.
I would like to offer my congratulations to all those who contributed to the publication of the magnificent 177-page album that we hold in our hands today. The album "The Hero Tasos Markos", together with other works on similar subjects, is a legacy of great value for us and future generations, since they enrich knowledge and help in understanding the history of our country.
The Paralimnian Major General Tasos Markos was a model of bravery, bravery, altruism and philanthropy. He participated in all the calls of his homeland to defend its freedom and territorial independence. From the liberation struggle of EOKA, the intercommunal riots of 1963, the coup d'état and the invasion of 1974, he was a protagonist and leader of the struggle. He was distinguished for his special gifts as a leader and demonstrated unsurpassed fighting spirit and manhood on the battlefields. He belonged to those few great men who, through their death-defying struggles, became a legend and an example of self-sacrifice for the homeland.
During the Turkish invasion, the then Major Tasos Markou was destined to face death on 14 August at Mia Milia. As a modern Leonidas, he chose not to abandon his position even after his defensive line was broken, which resulted in him being surrounded by enemy forces. He had decided beforehand to honour to the full the oath of the Athenian Ephesians. I shall also defend the sacred and holy, both alone and with many[/I]".
Friends,
It is the duty of all of us, and at the same time a patriotic duty, to contribute in any way to the investigation of the fate of the missing person Tasos Markos, but also of our other missing brothers and sisters, in order to end the drama of their families who live in agony and expectation for the finding of their loved ones and who are the most tragic aspect of the Turkish invasion of 1974.
I hope that the honorary album will find the necessary resonance with the reading public and especially with the younger generations of our country, conveying the messages that are extracted through the projection and work of the hero and offering the necessary tools so that the reader can become interested in the history of our country.
Tasos Markou has established himself in the consciousness of Hellenism as one of the most illustrious and greatest heroes. One of those few, the special ones, who "willingly" offered their lives on the altar of the homeland. He did not happen to become a hero. He chose it. He left his adoring family behind and went forth boldly towards the duty that called him. To a manly fighter this seemed simple. For the rest of us, we can only bow to his greatness.
(NG)
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