President Sakellaropoulou visits Kalymnos for events commemorating Gerontas Naval Battle [video]
The president boarded a Hellenic Navy ship and threw a wreath into the sea to commemorate the heroic sailors in the battle.ANA – MPA/PRESIDENCY OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC/THODORIS MANOLOPOULOS
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou visited the island of Kalymnos on Sunday to attend events marking the anniversary of the naval battle of Gerontas in 1824.
She was met by Deputy National Defence Minister Alkiviadis Stefanis, the representative of Parliament Vasilios Ypsilantis, South Aegean Region governor Giorgos Hatzimarkos and Kalymnos Mayor Dimitris Diakomichalis.
“Today we honour the anniversary of the Naval Battle of Gerontas, one of the most glorious pages of the Greek Revolution,” Sakellaropoulou said after attending a mass and laying a wreath.
“At an especially crucial turning point of the Strugge [for independence], a handful of Greek ships routed the Ottoman armada in these waters thanks to the skill, bravery and boldness of their fire ship sailors and their captains. They made the Turkish-Egyptian fleet flee, keeping alive the flame of freedom.
“The memory of their glorious victory will follow us, guide us and inspire us,” she said.
The president then boarded a Hellenic Navy ship and threw a wreath into the sea to commemorate the heroic sailors in the battle.
On her return, she also visited the Monument for the Fallen Officers at Imia.
Back on Kalymnos, Sakellaropoulou was shown around an exhibition dedicated to the 200th anniversary since the 1821 Greek Revolution at the regional authority headquarters on the island and then took part in a meeting with island associations at the Town Hall.
She then visited the Kalymnos Naval Museum, which outlines the island’s naval tradition.
The president also visited Telendos and met with island residents, as well as the four pupils of the island’s school.
On Sunday afternoon, she will be an honorary citizen of the island and address the anniversary event for the Gerontas Naval Battle organised by the municipality.
Source: ANA – MPA
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