The military parade in Thessaloniki celebrating the 84th Anniversary of the OXI Day took place in the country’s second-largest city, marking the culmination of the city’s triple celebration: honoring its patron saint, Saint Demetrius, commemorating its liberation, and celebrating Greece’s national holiday of October 28, 1940.
The parade was held along the coastal boulevard of Megalou Alexandrou. It was attended by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, along with other prominent political and military leaders.
The military parade in Thessaloniki began with a procession featuring schools, associations, and civic groups, followed by military units, security forces, and mechanized columns showcasing armored vehicles. Aerial demonstrations will accompany the parade, with fighter jet formations flying overhead. Notably, Squadron Leader Georgios Sotiriou will pilot the F-16 of the “Zeus” demonstration team.
Squadron Leader Georgios Sotiriou, a seasoned pilot with the F-16 “Zeus” Air Display Team, graduated from the Hellenic Air Force Academy in 2006. He was assigned in 2012 to the 115 Combat Wing, specializing in F-16 Block 52+ jets, and since 2013, he has been with the 343 Squadron, amassing over 1,800 flight hours, 1,500 of which are in the F-16.
Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias represented the government at the military parade in Thessaloniki. Also in attendance are SYRIZA–PS parliamentary group leader Nikos Pappas, PASOK–KINAL leader Nikos Androulakis, and Cyprus’ Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas.
