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Friday, 8 September 2023 - Camp of Lieutenant General Stylianos Kalbourtzi, Delikipos
Officers, Petty Officers, Soldiers, Sailors, Captains, Reservists, National Guardsmen and civilian personnel of the National Guard,
Completing today my service as Chief of the National Guard, I retire to private life after forty-four years of service.
My first duty is to bow with reverence and emotion to the Cypriot, Greek and our war flags and to pay tribute and gratitude to the immortal dead of the nation's struggles throughout the ages and to those we have parted with in the performance of duty in time of peace.
In assuming the duties of the Chief I was fully aware of my supreme honour and my duty to the Cypriot people, of which, being a loyal worker and fully aware of the burden of responsibility, I did everything required to fully fulfil my mission.
Today, three and a half years later, I am deeply moved to say goodbye to all of you, who have surrounded me with love and trust and have been my diligent and valuable partners.
I am proud because together we implemented our common vision with a wide range of actions and, by adapting to developments, we achieved the discrete improvement of all components of the National Guard's combat power, conveying a resounding message to enemies and friends alike. Together we highlighted the role of the National Guard as a pillar of national strength of the Republic of Cyprus, ensuring deterrence, which is our main mission in peace, and believing in victory if it fails!
I bow,
- to the National Guard, who are there in front, to the front line outposts, who stiffen as they see the Five Finger still enslaved, and to our readiness personnel, who give confidence to all of us to continue our work.
I bow,
- to the reservists and National Guardsmen, whose high rate of attendance contributes to the operational readiness of the units and to the armouring of the line of counterattack, sparing no effort or time.
I bow,
- to all of you, who outdid yourselves and resisted the consumerism and well-being that surrounds us and, staying true to your oath, contributed to upgrading the deterrent power and credibility of the National Guard, earning the appreciation and trust of friends and partners with whom you worked.
Thank you,
- to all those who did what your conscience dictated.
44 years ago, I climbed the steps of the Old Evelpidon School along with 12 Greek Cypriot classmates. With them I got to know Greek heroes that they did not teach me at school, with them I dreamed freely of Kyrenia, Morphou, Varosha.
Today, in the camp of the gunner Lieutenant General Kalbourtzi, where fate has brought me to complete this march, here in my second Homeland, I reflect that we have no right to forget our missing and to stop fighting for a liberated and reunited Republic of Cyprus.
Here today, I bow to the young officers, who have just handed me the emblem of my command, and to the young NCOs, because they are the hope for the future.
Women and men of the National Guard,
The Cypriot people have entrusted us with their security. No complacency is allowed. Constant vigilance and readiness is required to defend the sovereign rights of our homeland. Threats must reinforce the sense of responsibility and strengthen the resolve to meet them.
I urge you,
- to continue with the same zeal, self-denial, faith and spirit, remaining committed to your duties, having confidence in your leadership, maintaining your fighting spirit, so that you are ready to fulfill your duty, not in general, when and where necessary, but now.
- bringing out your vision, having faith in your strengths, being proud of what you have achieved, and constantly setting high goals.
- feel indebted and proud of the honor that your country has placed in your hands.
- support your new Chief so that the National Guard remains a strong force, capable of succeeding in peace and winning in war.
Completing today a forty-four year journey, I owe to my Country and Nation all that I am and all that I have become, who have generously honored me and returned to me many times what I have given.
On December 21, 1979, I took the sacred oath as a then young Eupee. That Eulpis, the soldier, stands before you today. This oath is the invisible bond between us, regardless of rank and position, and also ours with our immortal dead.
The soldier's path is difficult and demanding, but also honorable. He must adhere to values and principles which have been handed down to us by our elders and taught to us by experience. They are the foundation of our existence and character. The principles of honour, courage, professionalism, healthy ambition and loyalty must guide you in making decisions beyond self-interest. Professionalism is founded on constant effort, diligence, self-improvement and continuous professional training. A soldier never ceases to be a soldier.
As I close my circle as Chief of the National Guard, living small and big moments, gaining experiences, I thank God for giving me strength, knowledge and protection to walk this great journey.
To you, Mr. Minister, I thank the Republic of Cyprus for the trust it has placed in me as Chief, your predecessors and the Council of Ministers for the excellent cooperation and allow me to confirm the necessity, in accordance with the Government's programme, to further strengthen the programme of defence armouring, upgrading and modernisation of the National Guard.
I thank His Beatitude the Archbishop, and the Church of Cyprus, for his interest and love for the National Guard, as well as for the practical spiritual and material support provided to us.
I especially thank my predecessors, my former Deputy Chiefs, the staff of the Staff, all the Commanders of the Formations, Groups, Commands and Units from time to time, all my subordinates, regardless of rank, for the work we have accomplished.
I thank the Cypriot society, in the towns and villages, from Pyrgos to Kokkinochoria, for accepting me and hosting me for more than five and a half of the last ten years of my life.
Finally, I thank my family, my wife Dora and my two daughters Stella and Maria, for the unconditional support and love with which they have surrounded me, allowing me to devote myself unreservedly to my mission.
I wish my first year Lieutenant General George Tsitsikostas, who is worthy in every way, warm congratulations, health, divine luck and good strength in his demanding work, for the good of the National Guard and our Cyprus.
With these thoughts, deeply touched and especially proud to have served the Nation, guided by the saying,
"Love the responsibility, say I, my monk I have a duty to save the earth, if it is not saved I will be to blame",
Proud of all of you and your predecessors for the work you are doing, stating that I will always remain a soldier and wishing God to grant you and your families health, happiness and strength, I invite you to exclaim:
Long live the Hellenic Nation Long live the Republic of Cyprus Long live the National Guard
(MB)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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