It is with great honor that I am here today, at Camp "Andreas Suruklis", on the day of the feast of the Great Martyr Trophy-bearer Saint George, the Patron Saint of the Land Army.
With deepest respect and gratitude we reverently bow our heads to all those who sacrificed themselves in the struggles to defend the freedom of our homeland and we pray to the Most High for the recovery of all our missing persons.
Today, they are all present here, mentally, with us.
Among them, the combatant fallen of the glorious Infantry Units, who gave their own unequal struggle on the battlefields. From Mia Milia and Kythraia, from Lapithos and Karavas, from Dikomo and Kyrenia, from White Moutti and Alonagra, from Synchari and Klepini, from Skylura and Lapatsa Heights.
The fallen black-shirted men of the Armoured Units, who showed everyone that glory is gained by daring and determination.
The fallen black-shirted men of the Armoured Units, who showed everyone that glory is gained by daring and determination.
The spirited Ranger soldiers who, at Lavrovouno, Koutsoventi, Agios Hilarion, Agios Georgios Kyrenia, Nicosia Airport and wherever else required, showed inexhaustible heroism and self-denial and honoured the sacred oath they took.
The fallen gunners of the Field, Anti-Tank and Anti-Aircraft Artillery, who fought bravely trying to repel the Turkish invasion.
The Engineer diggers, who in Famagusta, Lapithos and Karavas, with zeal and self-denial, laid minefields.
The Interviewees who fell in the line of duty.
Along with them and the heroic Eldykarians, who, as genuine descendants of Leonidas, showed unparalleled courage and maximum agility, paying a heavy blood tax by defending the holy and sacred places of Hellenism on our island.
In front of the offer of all those who sacrificed themselves defending our homeland, we pay the highest tribute and hymn of praise, reflecting at the same time on our own responsibility towards our history.
We have a sacred duty and obligation to our heroes to continue to fight with the same perseverance and determination to make our country free.
The personnel of the National Guard, officers, non-commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, SYOP, privates, reservists, National Guardsmen and civilian personnel, with full awareness of their responsibility and with professionalism, declare themselves ready whenever and if necessary to carry out, to the fullest extent, the mission entrusted to them by the state.
Your high level of education and training, your patience and perseverance, your strong morale, your ability to cope with challenges and your love for your country send messages of faith, hope and optimism to all.
This fills us all with satisfaction, confidence and pride.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The current situation of prolonged Turkish occupation, the continuous provocations on the part of Ankara, challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our homeland, as well as the modern reality that imposes as an urgent need the ability to respond to the constantly developing new asymmetric threats, have made it an undeniable priority to strengthen the defense armor of our country.
It is clear that it is our duty and obligation to ensure the defence and deterrent capability of our country against any threat. For this very reason, we aim to upgrade and strengthen our deterrent capabilities and the operational capacity of the National Guard.
At the same time, we remain ready, expecting and seeking the resumption of talks for a just solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the principles and values of the European Union.
A solution that will make our country a free state, where conditions of peace and prosperity prevail, without occupation troops, foreign guarantees and invasive rights.
Happy Birthday to the Land Army.
Happy Birthday to all the celebrants.
May the "Great Taxiarch of Faith" St. George, liberator of the captives and defender of the poor, protect you and give you strength.
Thank you.
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