Greece Celebrates Anniversary of War of Independence

Greece celebrated the anniversary marking 196 years since the beginning of its war of independence against the Ottoman Empire on March 25. Before the independent Greek state was officially created in 1821, Greek revolutionaries commenced an armed struggle that lasted nearly nine years. As Kathimerini reports, the anniversary was marked by the annual military parade that took place in Athens following a tribute and honoring ceremony at the monument of the Unknown Fallen Soldier. The events were attended by all leaders of the Greek political scene, who sent messages of unity and encouragement to the people.

Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos told Kathimerini that “Greece and the Greeks have always been loyal to the European vision. Greece is a definite member of the European Union and its core, the Eurozone. Greece cannot be imagined outside Europe, and Europe cannot fulfill the purpose of its foundation without Greece.”

According to Ethnos, Greek Minister of Defense Panos Kammenos said, “This is a day of national revival and pride. The example set by our ancestors should inspire and guide us, especially now that neighbours with unhistorical and provocative claims question our nation’s conquests and the international treaties guaranteeing them.”

Finally, President of the New Democracy party and opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis told CNN Greece, “We draw strength from our ancestors’ paradigm…. We must not be confined by our glorious past. It is our duty to initiate a new beginning for our nation.”