Order of the Day by Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias for the National Anniversary of the 28th of October 1940

Order of the Day by Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias for the National Anniversary of the 28th of October 1940

October 27, 2026

The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, addressed the following Order of the Day to the Officers, NCOs, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, National Guards, Reserves, and Civilian Personnel of the Hellenic Armed Forces, on the occasion of the National Anniversary of the 28^th October 1940:

"Officers, NCOs, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, Reserves, and Civilian Personnel,

The 28^thOctober is not only an apex moment of our National History.

It is a timeless example of our national attitude.

In 1940, Greece was called to choose between submission and resistance.

Fully aware of the unfavourable comparison of power, it chose resistance.

The "OXI", was the decision of the Greek People to maintain the right to define their own destiny and not accept the forceful imposition of foreign will.

This decision was not limited to a simple declaration.

It was supported in the battlefield and sealed by the sacrifice of thousands of Greeks.

This is the most essential component of today's Anniversary.

Freedom requires the will to defend it.

National Sovereignty requires constant protection. The International Law is the foundation of international relations. However, its implementation and the protection of the rights that derive from it, require reliable deterrent capability.

For Greece, deterrence is a prerequisite for maintaining peace, security, and freedom of national choice.

Today's international reality renders this requirement even more necessary.

Revisionist practices, attempts to create faits accomplis through military power, and the rapid development of technology alter the security environment and the nature of military operations.

Adaptation to this reality is not a choice.

It is a National Duty.

The "Agenda 2030" serves the fulfilment of this national duty.

Namely, the formation of Armed Forces that are capable of ensuring that Greece has the deterrent power required to independently shape and protect the choices of the Greek people.

To effectively protect its Sovereignty and Sovereign Rights, as those occur from the International Law.

To prevent faits accomplis from occurring and deter any attempt of invasion of its grounds.

That is why we are reforming the Armed Forces.

With the new Force Structure, long-term planning of defence armaments, incorporation of new technologies, the "Achilles' Shield", new platforms, autonomous systems, Cyber Defence, the enhancement of the Reserve Force, and the development of a national defence innovation ecosystem.

This reform aims to shape the operational capabilities required for effective deterrence within the modern security environment, in view of technological developments.

Officers, NCOs, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, National Guards, Reserves, and Civilian Personnel,

the defining factor of this effort is you.

I would like to express my respect and gratitude to each and every one of you for your commitment, professionalism, and dedication to your constitutional duty.

You are what actually guarantees the national security and defence capabilities of our Country.

The example set by the 28^th of October 1940 still defines the weight of our responsibility today.

Long live the 28^th of October 1940.

Long live the Armed Forces!

Long live Greece!"