"We do not deserve this European attitude!"

"We do not deserve this European attitude!", President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias erupted after the military parade in Syntagma.

He stressed that in 1821 most Europeans did not believe that the "barefoot Greeks" would accomplish the miracle. He made special reference to the Philhellenes who, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, fought on our side. He brought as an example the cry "We are all Greeks" that has been echoing in demonstrations in many cities of Europe, which means that other people realise that our fight is tough.

He stressed that we will not budge and that with peace and unity we will win back the dignity of the Greek people.

Message by Papademos and Avramopoulos

Lucas Papademos expressed his optimism that "with determination, unity and solidarity we will be able to win the current fight and uplift our economy."

"It was a wonderful, spectacular parade which honored the heroes of 1821, who with bravery, sacrifice and faith gave us our freedom. The values​​, ideals and their actions lead by example, showing the way in which we can win the current fight to uplift our economy. I believe that with determination, unity and solidarity we will succeed," the PM said.

Defense minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said that "national anniversaries update the high meanings timelessly and make our generations consider their own responsibilities. In these difficult moments that our country is going through, the Armed Forces are the guarantee of stability, security, the integrity of our country and our independence. We need to overcome the crisis and look again to the future with optimism. This is the message we receive from our history. It's a shame that this parade was not attended by the whole of the Greek people. We must put aside the little differences that divide us and look to the future in a spirit of togetherness and unity."