Greece marks Independence Day with calls for solidarity with refugees

Greece marked on Friday the anniversary of Greek independence from Turkish rule in 1821 with an annual military parade here, student parades across the country and messages of solidarity with refugees by political leaders.

President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, and opposition parties included references to the ongoing refugee crisis that has tested Greece and Europe over the past year in their statements for Independence Day.

"Following the example of our ancient Greek ancestors who helped foreigners in need as well as the Christian principles of love and solidarity, Greeks today are facing refugees with humanism," Pavlopoulos said after the end of the military parade in front of the parliament.

The president called on all Europeans to do more to assist the thousands of people landing on Europe's shores, and help end wars.

Referring to the economic crisis that has also tested Greece in recent years, he suggested unity "to successfully confront the great challenges of our times and ensure a better future for Greece and the later generations of the Greeks."

"Today Greece is once again at the forefront of a struggle to defend the universal values of humanism and solidarity. Greek people are demonstrating strength, dignity and faith, while they are also facing an unprecedented financial crisis," Tsipras noted in his message, expressing optimism the future would be better for all.

Greek citizens expressed their faith in a brighter future and honored the past by waving Greek national flags and singing the national anthem as soldiers marched in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Hero commemorating war heroes. Endit