Marking the 85th anniversary of Greece’s historic stand against fascism in 1940, Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias sent a resounding yet unifying message in his address ahead of the October 28 celebrations.
“Eighty-five years ago, our forebears stood firmly against advancing Fascism and Nazism—beyond all calculations and realism,” Dendias declared. “With the word ‘Ohi’—‘No’—the nation expressed its will to remain free, defending the values that have guided our national course through time.”
In his official order of the day, the defense minister stressed that for Greece to maintain an independent national voice in the Eastern Mediterranean, it must possess sufficient deterrent power. “Otherwise,” he warned, “it faces the risk of ‘Finlandization’ and continual submission to the will of the powerful.” The times ahead, he cautioned, “are relentless.”
Dendias described October 28 as “a milestone of national continuity,” underscoring the enduring relevance of the example set by those who resisted tyranny. The “Ohi,” he said, remains a lasting symbol of national dignity and the will to live freely—a principle that the Greek people must continue to reaffirm whenever sovereignty is challenged.
Turning to Greece’s Armed Forces, Dendias spoke of a “New Era” grounded in knowledge, technology, and human potential. He cited the 2030 Agenda, the new Force Structure, and long-term armament programs as pillars in building “the most powerful and modern Armed Forces in Greece’s recent history.”
Concluding his message, Dendias expressed deep gratitude to the men and women of the Armed Forces for their “selfless dedication to constitutional duty,” calling them “the living guarantee of national security, dignity, and pride.”
“Inspired by the example of 1940,” he urged, “continue to serve with consistency, discipline, and courage. Long live October 28, 1940. Long live the Armed Forces. Long live the Nation.”
