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- Ελληνικά
It is with feelings of awe and deep emotion that we are here today, at the Holy Church of Saint Kyriakos, to pay our due tribute to the hero Captain Lambros Lambrou, who sacrificed himself defending the safety of our country on that black day of the deadly explosion at the naval base "Evangelos Florakis" in Mari.
Thirteen years have passed this year since the tragedy of 11 July 2011, when a fire broke out in containers of explosives stored at the naval base. The greatest tragedy in our modern history, which devastated our country and plunged an entire nation into mourning. A tragedy that cost the lives of 13 worthy lads, who, with self-denial and selflessness, performed their duty to the full and gave their most precious thing, their very lives, for the common interest and the dignity of our Cyprus.
It is with deep sorrow that we commemorate these days the heroes of the National Guard, Fire Brigade and EMAK, who, defying mortal danger, remained dedicated to their duty until the end. Showing great bravery and courage, they made superhuman efforts to extinguish the fire that broke out in the explosives containers. In the end, however, the fatal explosion occurred, with its tragic consequences, which unfortunately were not only material. The material and economic damage can be repaired, but the human losses cannot be compensated.
But as Aristophanes wrote, "Heroes are never found in darkness". And the heroes of 11 July 2011 are a shining example of philanthropy, conscientiousness, bravery and selflessness for us all. We will always find them there in the light, in the pantheon of immortality, and with their heroism they will define our moral compass.
As a State, realizing our debt to our heroes and as a better tribute to their sacrifice, we will do our utmost to ensure that tragic events such as this never happen again.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are gathered here today to honour the memory of Captain Lambrou Lambrou. Born in 1966 in occupied Agia Triada, Karpasia, where he remained for a period of two and a half years after the Turkish invasion, his dream was to train and serve in our armed forces. And this dream he was fortunate enough to realize, by attending the Naval Cadet School of Greece.
From the first years of his service, he enjoyed the esteem and recognition of his superiors, as well as of his subordinates. Selflessness and humanity characterized his relations with the other members of the National Guard. Those who were close to him, especially his beloved wife Lucia and his children, Nikoleta and Andreas, and those who knew him, his friends and acquaintances, other officers and sailors, as well as his fellow countrymen, admired him, recognizing in him a man of principles and ideals, which he served with unique zeal. A man who was an example to others, a model of philanthropy and devotion to duty, his country and his family.
At dawn on 11 July 2011, as Lieutenant and now Commander of the "Evangelos Florakis" Naval Base, he rushed to deal with the fire that had broken out in the fatal containers of explosives, which he had warned in writing nine months earlier, when he had taken command of the Base, of their great danger. This effort was repeated during his subsequent administration. However, the great evil of which he warned was not avoided.
Together with the Commander of the Navy, Captain Andreas Ioannidis, he displayed great bravery in the face of mortal danger and, true to his duty in defence of the National Guard and his country, he honoured his uniform and selflessly offered the supreme good, his own life.
Respected relatives of the hero,
The pain of loss cannot be soothed by words. But the sacrifice of your loved one will forever be a reminder of the true meaning of debt and duty to our beloved homeland Cyprus. You rightly feel proud of him. Your man, the hero Lambros Lambrou with his selflessness and self-denial will always be a shining example for all.
Eternal be his memory.
(EAT/NZ)
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