Deputy Minister of National Defence Ioannis Kefalogiannis Attends “SALAMINIA 2023” as Representative of the Prime Minister

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Deputy Minister of National Defence Ioannis Kefalogiannis Attends "SALAMINIA 2023" as Representative of the Prime Minister

September 25, 2023

On Sunday 24 September 2023, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Ioannis Kefalogiannis, attended, as representative of the Prime Minister, the main ceremony organised by the Municipality of Salamis for the "SALAMINIA 2023", in honour of the historic anniversary of the Naval Battle of Salamis.

The ceremony, held in Kamatero, Salamis, was also attended by the Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Ioannis DrymousisHN, as well as representatives of the Hellenic Parliament, the Regional and Local government, the Armed Forces General Staffs, the Security Forces, and embassies.

During the ceremony, Mr. Kefalogiannis had the pleasure to present an award to the Salaminian Rowing Champion Dimitris Papazoglou, who has won many distinctions.

In his address, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated:

"Dear Representative of the Hellenic Parliament

Dear Members of Parliament

Dear Head of Region

Dear Mayor of Salamis

Dear Mayor of Megara

Dear Chief of Hellenic Navy General Staff

Ladies and gentlemen

"It is with great emotion that we are here today, in one of the most historic sites of our country, to honour one of the most important events of global history: the Naval Battle of Salamis.

A historic event, which for 2,500 years has been studied and admired worldwide.

The value of the Naval Battle is not simply its importance as another great victory of our ancestors.

Its strategic character and real value lies in the fact that, without it, Athens's radical undertaking with democracy would have failed for ever.

Without it, the appropriate conditions for the establishment of Athens's "golden age", which constitutes the base of western civilization to this day, would have never been existed.

With the Naval Battle of Salamis, Greece operated as the Bastion of Europe.

The victory of the ancient Greeks undoubtedly changed the course of global history.

In this critical turn of our history, our ancestors were united.

Themistocles, Aristides, Eurybiades, and many others were the heroes who not only distinguished themselves, but fought with bravery and determination, sensing the danger that their common homeland and civilization faced.

Today, the memory of this historic naval battle reminds us that unity and solidarity are the most powerful weapons that our nation possesses in our attempt to face various challenges.

As the united ancient Greeks faced the threat of the Persian expansionary policy, so we today must stand united against anything that may threat our values and freedom.

At the same time, it teaches us that determination and self-confidence are the pillars that may overcome any difficulty.

The ancient Greeks, thanks to these virtues, achieved this great victory, even when the odds were against them.

So we modern Greeks should approach the challenges with the same determination and spirit of resistance.

Our glorious navy must have this bright example of our ancestors as its beacon so that it can continue to constitute a pillar of our territorial integrity and national independence.

Let us keep in our soul and mind the memory of this great event, the Naval Battle of Salamis, as well as its glorious heroes.

Let us remember it as a symbol of resistance and freedom that will inspire the next generations against every challenge, with the same passion and determination displayed by our ancestors.

Thank you."