Cyprus honored the heroic deeds of 1940. Parades were held with due pomp and circumstance in all the districts of free Cyprus. The celebrations centered on Nicosia and Lord Byron Avenue, which was flooded with crowds.
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In the presence of the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Archbishop Georgios, the Ambassador of Greece, and other officials, the grand parade began with the Evzones and their imposing march.
Students from higher and tertiary educational institutions, schoolchildren, Boy Scouts, members of associations and other organized groups marched, proudly raising the blue-and-white flag, to the warm applause of the spectators.
Once again this year, the students holding signs bearing the names of the occupied schools stirred deep emotion, serving as a reminder of the unfulfilled debt owed to the homeland.
A special highlight of this year’s parade was the participation of the Lyceum of Greek Women of Kavala, as well as the Old Corfu Philharmonic, which, together with the Cyprus Police Philharmonic, performed the National Anthem in front of the dignitaries.
NIKOS CHRISTODOULIDES—President of the Republic of Cyprus: “On
matters of sovereignty and dignity, there can be neither compromise nor concessions. Whatever the cost, our brothers in Greece have proven that on these issues there can be no compromises or concessions.”
Leaders and representatives of political parties referred to the lessons of 1940.
ANNITA DIMITRIOU—Speaker of the House / President of DISY“
“Today, with Europe ablaze once again and extremists stoking hatred and fanaticism, our duty is non-negotiable: to raise a shield in defense of democratic principles and values.”
GIORGOS LOUKAIDIS—Parliamentary Spokesperson for AKEL: “Let
us continue the struggle with determination, consistency, and steadfastness against fascism, against the far right, against the occupation and partition.”
MARIOS PELEKANOS—ELAM Member of Parliament“
“Today, as we face revisionism, expansionism, and Turkey’s insatiable appetite, we must draw lessons from our forebears.”
NIKOLAS PAPADOPOULOS —President of DIKO: “Our choice cannot
be to surrender; on the contrary, we must be guided by these principles, values, and ideals.”
ODYSSEAS MICHAELIDES–President of the “ALMA” Movement “It is
precisely at this moment that we feel the weight of our duty to act in a way that safeguards the ideals taught to us by the epic events of 1940.”
SOFIA CHRISTODOULOU MAKRI—President of EDEK: “We
honor all those who fought for freedom, dignity, and, above all, against fascism.”
ANTIGONE PAPADOPOULOU—Vice President of DIPA: “We hold
fast to the belief that freedom is not granted but is won through struggle.”
KATERINA HATZISTYLLI—Chair of the Ecologists’ Movement: “We honor
the struggle of the Greek people and the sacrifices of those who defended freedom.”
The celebrations and parades organized by schoolchildren in Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Paralimni were magnificent.
Watch the report by Rafaella Stavrinou:
The parade was preceded by a festive thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. Barnabas, presided over by Archbishop Georgios.
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