The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, issued a statement on protecting the Unknown Soldier Monument from the Ministry of National Defense.
“The Unknown Soldier Monument is a space intertwined with national memory. A monument paying respect to those who sacrificed themselves for Country and Nation. A place of unity and solidarity. It should not be used as a means of expressing political ambitions. It is a purpose in itself.
As the President of the Republic correctly stated, the ideal way to examine how we want the Unknown Soldier Monument to be is to sterilize it from current political affairs, as a timeless symbol of National Struggles.
After the Tempe tragedy, the space in front of the Monument became connected with society’s universal demand for justice. After all, the Prime Minister himself, with his presence at the site, practically demonstrated his respect for the victims.
The Unknown Soldier Monument unites Greeks now and forever. The Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces will not treat it as an object for practicing politics and dividing society. We will move in this direction.
Respect for the dead of National Struggles and for History is a collective duty and responsibility of us all”
