Greek Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias underscored the crucial link between national sovereignty and military strength in his address to the country’s Armed Forces, marking Greece’s national anniversary of March 25, 1821. Dendias highlighted the indispensable role of the Armed Forces in preserving the nation’s independence.
Addressing officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, sailors, airmen, reservists, and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces, Dendias emphasized the historical significance of the day.
It marks the beginning of Greece’s national rebirth, honoring those who chose to rise up and fight for independence from Ottoman rule. The course of Hellenism, he noted, has always been one of struggle.
Freedom, he emphasized, is never granted without sacrifice. The independence enjoyed today, the state that has been built, and the Greek Republic itself are the results of continuous efforts over time. History, he added, teaches that nothing should be taken for granted.
Greece finds itself in a region of complex and evolving challenges. From conventional military conflicts to hybrid threats, national security demands a new strategic approach and modern force-multiplying capabilities.
The country, he made clear, does not remain complacent. Through the “Agenda 2030” initiative, the most extensive reform of the Armed Forces in modern Greek history is being implemented. This includes strengthening operational capabilities, modernizing equipment, investing in innovation and new technologies, upgrading defense infrastructure, and reinforcing Greece’s strategic position in the broader region.
Greece has consistently maintained a deterrent posture in its strategic planning, ensuring its sovereign rights through adherence to international law and the principles of peaceful coexistence.
The national anniversary coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, a day also dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the protector of the Armed Forces. Orthodoxy, Dendias noted, remains a defining element of modern Hellenism.
Beyond a day of remembrance, March 25 is primarily a day of responsibility. The duty to honor the legacy of those who fought for independence calls for unity, determination, and strategic foresight. The Armed Forces, he concluded, are the foundation of national security, ensuring the safety of every Greek citizen.
