The National Guard remains faithfully committed to its mission, as the main factor of deterrence against any threat and as the main defender of the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy in Cyprus, stated today the Minister of Defense Vassilis Palmas, adding that "we aim to safeguard the national of our security and territorial integrity".
In his greeting at the celebration of Saint Barbara, patroness of the Artillery, at the Lieutenant General Stylianos Kalbourtzis Camp in Delikipos, the Minister said that "today is a day of recognition, honor and commemoration for the Artillery of the National Guard. We commemorate all the men of the National Guard Artillery who faithful to their duty and oath, gave their lives during their military service", he pointed out.
He added that "we lay down our wreaths of honor and gratitude to all the fallen gunners who, with courage and determination, faced the Turkish invader in the summer of 1974 and we pray for the finding of all our missing. We recognize the self-sacrifice they demonstrated and their selfless contribution, in the effort to defend the freedom, justice and dignity of our country and people, at a time when the Republic of Cyprus was experiencing the most critical and dark period of its history", he said.
Today, he continued, "we honor their bravery, self-sacrifice, stubbornness and unwavering courage, but also the values and ideals that drove them to stand against a militarily superior opponent. The heroes of the Artillery remain bright beacons of self-sacrifice, heroism and virtue."
The Minister of Defense also stated that "today we honor and sincerely thank all those who actively participated in the titanic struggle to repel the Turkish brutality of 74 and experienced the horror and devastation of the war, as well as the current continuation of the work of the Artillery. Our officers, soldiers, civilian personnel and reservists, those who continue to proudly hold aloft the flag of values and ideals, for which our heroes sacrificed their lives,” he said.
He also stated that their "contribution to safeguarding the peace, territorial integrity and security of our homeland, as well as their dedication and loyalty to their mission, are the best proof that the sacrifice of our heroes was not in vain , but it continues to bear fruit, to inspire and guide us to fulfill our mission".
The National Guard continued "six decades since its establishment, it continues to remain faithfully committed to its mission, as the main deterrent against any threat and as the main defender of the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy in Cyprus. As the Ministry of Defense, we have repeatedly expressed our clear objectives regarding strengthening the combat effectiveness of our armed forces and upgrading our deterrent capabilities," he pointed out.
As he said, "we continue to take steady steps in the course of implementing our program, with the aim of modernizing and strengthening the National Guard, so that, moving into the future, it can continue to successfully carry out the mission it was appointed to serve . By maintaining the defense capabilities of the National Guard at a high level, through strengthening its deterrence capability, we aim to safeguard our national security and territorial integrity," he said.
The Minister of Defense also said that "our Artillery, like the rest of the Weapons and Bodies, play an important role in this effort".
Mr. Palmas expressed his "satisfaction with the Artillery Commander and all the staff for the arduous effort they continuously put in, with the aim of strengthening the Artillery weapon and maintaining a high degree of readiness" and added that their morale, professionalism and efficiency "challenge us feelings of pride, hope and optimism".
He also expressed "congratulations to all the staff of the National Guard for the arduous work" they perform and noted that with their tireless efforts they contribute "to the State's effort to finally make our country a free and united homeland, which ensures peace , security and well-being for the entire Cypriot people", inviting everyone to continue their work "with the same determination and the same zeal".
Source: KYPE
