With feelings of deep emotion, respect and national duty, the memorial service and unveiling ceremony of the "Mari Heroes Monument - July 11, 2011" was held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in the Sotiras Municipal District of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, in eternal memory of the thirteen heroes who fell in the line of duty during the tragic explosion at the "Evangelos Florakis" Naval Base in Mari.
The memorial service was held at the Church of the Resurrection of the Savior, in Sotira, followed by the unveiling ceremony at the Mari Fallen Park. The unveiling of the Monument was performed by the Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection, Mr. Nikolas A. Ioannides.
The event was organized by the Sotiras Municipal District of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, in collaboration with the "Aroma Ayia Napa - Friends of the Sculpture Park" Association, as an act of honor, memory and gratitude to the thirteen heroes of Mari.
As part of the ceremony, greetings were delivered by the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, the Deputy Mayor of the Sotiras Municipal District, Mr. Antonis Koumis, and the President of the Association "Aroma of Ayia Napa - Friends of the Sculpture Park", Mr. Christakis Pittas.
The Monument is a place of honor, silence, reflection and historical memory, integrating the sacrifice of the heroes into the public space and the collective consciousness of the local community.
During the ceremony, the thirteen heroes of Mari were honored by name: Andreas Ioannidis, Lambros Lambrou, Kleanthis Kleanthos, Michalis Irakleous, Miltos Christoforou, Christakis Christoforou, Antonis Charalambous, Andreas Papadopoulos, George Giakoumis, Vassilis Krokos, Spyros Ttantis, Panagiotis Theofilou and Adamos Adamou.
The Municipality of Ayia Napa expresses its deep respect for the families of the heroes and its firm commitment to keeping the memory of their sacrifice indelible.
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