Greeks,
Today the nation celebrates. Two hundred years since the historic Revolution of 1821, it is reflecting and moving forward. Inspired by its ancestors, it confidently holds the baton of progress, passed from generation to generation of our homeland.
Two centuries ago, a handful of determined fighters, inside and outside Greece, raised the banner of independence. They set in motion a process whose end even they themselves could not have dreamed of. With the help of their allies, they fought heroically and won their freedom.
By unraveling the ancient and Byzantine thread, they laid the foundations for a province of the Ottoman Empire to become an independent, organized state. A state that subsequently grew in all respects: into a territory, into a republic, into a republic, into international prominence. Two hundred years later, Greece is a modern European country. With power and prestige throughout the world.
Along the way, we have experienced moments of triumph and pain. Wise decisions, as well as great mistakes. However, in all the great trials of humanity, our country has always been on the right bank of history.
And this gives us the power to look the past in the face: to feel proud of the great leaps of the nation. But also to learn from the opportunities that have been lost, so that we can create new ones for the days ahead. Turning the experience of yesterday into fuel for the march towards tomorrow.
A glance at the pages of our history leads to a single conclusion: that divided, the Greeks were broken, while united, they prospered. We do not forget, therefore, the enmities that manifested themselves even in the midst of the uprising. The national division. The disastrous civil war. Nor the pitfalls of recent demagoguery.
That is why we choose the unity of the Balkan Wars as our historical beacon. The War of the 1940s and the Resistance. Our common stand against the dictatorship and our common action in the years of development. Our integration into the European family. And our steps towards the most solid democracy we have ever had.
We welcome the national anniversary with the prudence that pride brings. For the heroes of the 21st century have found worthy successors in politics and the economy. But also in thought, science, art and sport.
Above all, however, the history of the independent Greek state is the history of its people. All those who fell and found the strength to rise again to bequeath a better tomorrow to their children.
Who have boldly met the currents of progress, while keeping traditions alive. Who worked hard and succeeded. And with them, the whole country prospered. They are those who, singing the verses of Solomos, wept before the blue and white. To all of them, Greece gratefully pays tribute.
My fellow citizens,
This year, March 25 is unique. But also special, as it finds us in the final battle with the pandemic. With many difficulties, but victory is now in sight. After all, the national campaign for vaccination is called Freedom.
Our country emerges stronger from this adventure: with a united society, a resilient economy and a more effective state. And moreover, with strong bonds of trust between the State and the Citizens.
Something that emerged on the many and simultaneous fronts that we fought on: The defence of our borders in Evros and the Aegean. In the defence of our public health and social well-being. But also in the face of our neighbours' challenges.
At the dawn of the third century of free life, Greeks hold high the head that their ancestors bravely raised. Today the challenges are different, but our determination remains the same. The stake of our generation is that 200 years after the «Revolution of National Resurrection», the «Revolution of National Ascension» should become the "Revolution of National Ascension". With Greece once again as the protagonist of the times.
‘Besides, it is from the «Epsilon» of Greece that the Revolution, Freedom and Hope begin. They are the ingredients of Elytis« »beautiful and strange homeland«. Of the resourceful Odysseus whose ingenuity achieved more than his means allowed him. And of the country of our national poet, where »all around is light'.
It is the history of this place that we are celebrating today. With pride and modesty. Nothing we have won so far has been taken for granted. That is why we continue armed with the new patriotism of responsibility. And our flag flying with national confidence and optimism.
Happy Birthday to our Greece! Happy Birthday Greeks, all over the world!
