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- Ελληνικά
Recalling the sad events of July 1974, we are gathered here today to commemorate, as we owe, the heroes of the community of Menoikou who sacrificed their lives defending their ancestral lands from the Turkish invaders.
Today, we pay due tribute and gratitude to the heroes Nikolaos Palazis, Eleftherios Zantis, Theodoros Papapanagiotou, Kostas Athanasiou, Christakis Louka, and the missing Andreas Petrou.
Nikolaos Palazis was born in 55 and belonged to the large family of Andreas and Irini. In 74 he served in the 3rd Company of the 211 Infantry Battalion, in the outposts of Omorphita, Neapolis and Trachona. Before he could be discharged, he was called to defend his country due to the Turkish invasion of 20 July 74. Palazis died in the battles with Attila and was buried in a mass grave in the Trachona area. His remains were recovered and identified and in December 2016, his funeral was held with all due honours in Meniko.
Eleftherios Ioannou Zantis was born on 17 March 51. In July 69 he enlisted in the ranks of the National Guard, in the 3rd Company of the 211 Infantry Battalion. After completing his military service he worked in a bank. Immediately after the Turkish invasion and general conscription, Zanti reported to his unit as a reservist. Soon his traces disappeared. He was last seen in the Trachona-Omorfita area, which was covered by his unit. His remains were found in a mass grave in Trachona, along with those of his fellow countryman Nikolaos Palazis, and were identified. He was buried in his community with hero's honours in January 2017.
Theodoros Papapanagiotou was born on 18 February 56. He joined the army, carrying the rank of Corporal in the 286 Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 286 Motorized Infantry Battalion. He was detached to the 21st Reconnaissance Division (BMI) as a driver of a vehicle transporting soldiers. On 15 July 74 and without knowing his mission, he was ordered with two other drivers to transport lockeys to the Presidential Palace. His officer ordered him to enter the Presidential Palace. Although he initially hesitated, he then obeyed the orders and proceeded. His vehicle was immediately hit by a bazooka, resulting in his death. Papanagiotou was only 18 years old. He was buried in a mass grave in the cemetery of Saints Constantine and Helen.
Kostas Athanasiou was born on 20 March 49, in Aglantzia. He was married to Georgia Petrou, with whom he had two children. His son Petros and daughter Elena were only four and two and a half years old respectively, when, due to the invasion, he was called up as a reservist in the 306 Infantry Battalion. July 22, 1974 was the last time he was seen in Agios Georgios Kyrenia. His remains were recently recovered and identified by DNA. His funeral will take place in Meniko at a later date.
Christakis Louka was born in. He served his military service as an 81mm mortarman in the 231 Infantry Battalion. A week before he was discharged from the army the coup took place. The only information his family has is that he was killed in the Turkish Cypriot village of Pyleri in Kyrenia Province. He remains missing.
Andreas Petrou, who was married to Andriani, remains missing. His traces disappeared during the bicommunal riots of 1963 and to this day no one knows anything.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Forty-nine years later, we do not forget our dead, the families of those whose fate has yet to be determined, those who experienced captivity, uprooting, atrocities and torture.
Forty-nine years later, we continue to keep the memory of our heroes unquenched, with our only concern being the liberation of our long-suffering island. This would be the best memorial and the greatest vindication for them.
Learning, then, from their actions and sacrifice, let us count our historical responsibilities and remain faithful to the cause for which they gave their lives. And that is none other than the liberation and reunification of our country. Let us continue the struggle for vindication until a solution to our national problem is found. A solution that guarantees human rights and basic freedoms for all, on the basis of European principles and values.
We owe it to our dead, our missing, but also to the generations that will succeed us. It is our duty to safeguard the future and prosperity of Cypriots and to deliver to them a whole homeland, a homeland where they can live in peace.
Glory and honour to those who watered the native land with their blood!
May their memory be eternal!
Thank you.
(Ephys/NG)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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