Greece's national day parades send message of unity

Greece celebrated on Wednesday the national holiday of the "Ochi Day" (No Day) with military and pupils' parades held nationwide, sending messages of unity and confidence to overcome the economic crisis which broke out in late 2009.

The "Ochi" is the answer given on Oct. 28, 1940 by the then head of government to Italy's ultimatum to surrender the country to the Axis forces, marking the entrance of Greece in the Second World War.

"The "Ochi" constitutes an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the Greek nation. With education, courage and unity, as supplies, Greeks can achieve their national targets and defend the human being and social justice," said Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, while attending the parade at Thessaloniki.

The customary military parade in the northern city port of Thessaloniki, where the main celebrations take place each October, included displays of tanks by the Greek Armed Forces.

But the epilogue of the parade closed with an impressive display of acrobatics from the F-16 fighter jet of the Greek Air Force, that included aerial maneuvers, low-flying and a touching message from the operator of the F-16.

"United, strong and proud we shall continue. Following the steps of our ancestors, let's view the future with optimism", Greek pilot Loukas Theocharopoulos who has more than 1,500 hours of flight said from the cockpit of the F-16, while he was flying over the parade.

"Your wings cover our country and our nation, be proud of your mission," Pavlopoulous answered.

Leader of minor coalition party Independent Greeks and Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, who also attended the parade, sent a message of national sovereignty.

"The armed forces are ready to face any threat," he highlighted.

In Athens, streets surrounding Syntagma square had been cordoned off as students marched past a stand of officials with people lining the sidewalks, waving Greek flags and singing the national anthem. Endit