The Deputy Minister of National Defense Mr. Nikolaos Hardalias represented yesterday, Wednesday, September 14, 2022, the Greek Government at the commemorative event “LASKEIA 2022”, for the sinking of the Submarine (Y/B) KATSONIS of our Navy, during the Second World War. The event, which was co-organized by the General Staff of the Navy, the Municipality of Elefsina and the Folklore Association of Elefsina “To Adrachti”, took place on the beach of Elefsina.

The Deputy Minister of National Defense, as part of the event, laid a wreath at the Monument of Vice-Captain Vasilios Laskos, the last Governor of H/V KATSONIS and addressed the following greeting:

“It is with feelings of emotion and honor that I come to today’s commemoration event, paying the minimum tribute on the part of the State, to the heroic members of the crew of H/B KATSONIS of our Navy, who with self-sacrifice ordered the fulfillment of the duty and performed it with courage and self-sacrifice their mission, in the end effortlessly offering their lives for Faith and Country.

The legendary submarine sank exactly 79 years ago today, during its 7th war mission, when it was involved in the waters off Skiathos, with a German anti-submarine corvette, dragging 32 crew members to their wet grave, including its Eleusinian governor, Lieutenant Vasilios Laskos.

This day is an excellent historical opportunity to raise awareness of the rich military action undertaken by our Navy during the Second World War, an action which confirmed the superiority of the Greek navy and its timeless contribution to the survival of our Nation.

The sacrifice of the crew members, who honored the Flag to the “last drop of their blood”, fulfilling their national duty in full, constitutes an indisputable beacon of light for all Greeks and at the same time a heavy legacy, which places claims of corresponding gravity and responsibility on us, her successors, so that “the hands of the fathers are not seen”.

Ladies and gentlemen,

At a critical time for national issues, where Turkish revisionism and inflammatory ahistorical rhetoric are constantly escalating, we as a Nation are not allowed any complacency.

On the contrary, the circumstances call for mobilization, national unity and concord, in order to make it clear to anyone who consults our national interests that we do not intend to concede and negotiate the slightest and if necessary we will face with high spirit, prudence, calmness and determination, any challenge and threat on land, sea and air.

The country’s steadfast position remains its adherence to the principles of International Law, including the Law of the Sea and the European acquis, a policy that allows it to stand firm in the face of every trick, composing through its powerful and modern Armed Forces a single and impenetrable wall, making it at the same time a pillar of stability and security in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean region.

Vice-captain Vasile Lasko, commander of the “Y/V KATSONIS”, together with your heroic crew, we thank you for your morale, bravery and self-sacrifice.

We owe you great gratitude for all you have offered for the Motherland.

The flame of your patriotism will forever nestle in our hearts, fill us with pride and steel our will to fight, guiding our thoughts and steps towards the high ideals of Liberty, Democracy and Justice.

May you always be Immortal».

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Justice responsible for International Cooperation and Human Rights, Mr. Georgios Kotsiras, the 2nd MP of Western Attica and 3rd Vice-President of the Parliament Mr. Athanasios Bourasthe 2nd Member of Parliament of Western Attica and Secretary of the Parliament Mr. Evangelos Liakosthe Commander of the Special Warfare Command of GEETHA Lt. Gen George Tsitsikostas as a representative of the Head of the GHETHA, the Mayor of Elefsina Auditor 3rd e.a. Argyrios Oikonomourepresentatives of the Chiefs of General Staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Vice-Regional Governor of Western Attica, Mr. Eleftherios Kosmopoulosthe President of the Folklore Association “To Adrachti” Ms. Pantelitsa Tsalimopoulou and a delegation of Armed Forces executives.