Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attends the celebrations for the liberation of Metsovo and for the Remembrance Day of the fallen Cavalry-Armour Officers 1940

Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attends the celebrations for the liberation of Metsovo and for the Remembrance Day of the fallen Cavalry-Armour Officers 1940

November 2, 2025

On Sunday 02 November 2025, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakisattended the celebrations for the liberation of Metsovo, and for the Remembrance Day of the fallen Cavalry-Armour Officers 1940, which took place in Metsovo. He was welcomed by the Mayor of Metsovo Maria - Christina Averof. The ceremony was also honoured by the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostas Tasoulas. The doxology was officiated by his Eminence the Metropolitan of Ioannina Mr. Maximos.

The events were attended by the MPs Maria - Alexandra Kefala, Giorgos Amyras, Ioannis Tsimaris, the Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, representing the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff General Dimitrios Choupis, the Head of the Region of Epirus Alexandros Kachrimanis, the Commanding General of the First Army Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos, the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of Epirus-Macedonia Lieutenant General Athanasios Garinis, the Director of HAGS/A Branch Major-General Konstantinos Karamanidis, the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of Army Support Major General Antonios Theodosiadis, the Commanding General of the XX Armour Division Major General Ilias Kostakis, the Director of the Cavalry-Armour Directorate Brigadier General Aristeidis Kavarligos, the Commanding General of the XXV Armour Brigade Brigadier General Stylianos Antoniadis, the Chief of Staff of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace Brigadier General Vasileios Lampropoulos, the Commanding General of the XXIII Armour Brigade Brigadier General Panteleimon Sarafidis, the Commanding General of the XXIV Armour Brigade Brigadier General Athanasios Tzikas, the Commanding General of the 8^thMechanized Brigade "EPIRUS" Brigadier General Vasileios Kolios, as well as delegations of Armed Forces and Security Forces' officers.

Upon conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Davakis, made the following statement:

"Today I attended the celebrations for the liberation of Metsovo and the Remembrance Day of the fallen Cavalry-Armour Officers 1940.

Metsovo is not just a region with a unique tradition. It is a place, that serves as a symbol of bravery, perseverance and love for the country. Here, on the slopes of Pindus mountain, the greatest pages of heroism and bravery were written, enlightening the Nation's journey to this day.

On those mountains the Cavalry-Armour Division 1940, led by Major General Georgios Stanotas, wrote some bright pages of glory. It vigorously resisted the Italian Division "Julia" and decisively contributed to victory. Under difficult weather conditions, its heroic cavalry men proved that discipline, self-denial and faith to the country can turn something apparently impossible into a victory. The officers, soldiers and reservists that fought with faith and in full sense of duty proved that freedom is not conceded, but conquered with sacrifices.

Metsovo at the time stood as the stronghold of the Greek soul, as it always did.

Today, we honour the warriors who, with their courage and self-denial, required the obvious: The Greek people's right to live free. Their sacrifice is not forgotten.

Happy anniversary to Metsovo!

Happy anniversary to Epirus!

Immortal are the cavalry men of the Cavalry-Armour Division 1940!