The worldwide Greek community celebrates today, March 25th, both the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence of 1821 and the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. In downtown Athens, the military parade of the Armed Forces’ mechanized and marching units took place before President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, along with the country’s political and military leadership.

Some moments stood out due to the powerful emotions they conveyed to those watching the parade, whether from the center of Athens or on their television screens.

Among others, the parade featured a range of Armed Forces weapon systems, such as the formidable Leopard 2 tanks, MLRS rocket launchers, M-109 & PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery, F-16, Rafale, Mirage-2000, and F-4E Phantom fighter jets, as well as Chinook, Apache, NH-90, Aegean Hawk, and Super Puma helicopters.

Also participating was the renowned T-6 HARVARD aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force, which trained generations of Greek pilots from World War II until the 1960s, along with the legendary Spitfire.

At 6:41 PM, the official flag-lowering ceremony at the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis is scheduled, accompanied by 21 honorary cannon salutes from the Lycabettus battery.

The March 25th celebrations kicked off with 21 cannon salutes from Lycabettus Hill
The festivities in Athens for the March 25th national holiday began with 21 cannon salutes from Lycabettus Hill.

The first round was fired at 6:21 in the morning, followed by 20 more, in accordance with the established protocol.

March 25th: The Hymn of the Underwater Demolition Teams before the Parade
The units of the Armed Forces and the Security Forces gathered early in the center of Athens for the March 25th parade.

Crowds had also gathered from early on to cheer the nation’s young servicemen and admire the impressive weapons systems. During the parade preparations, the powerful hymn of the Underwater Demolition Teams (OUK) was heard, as always leaving a lasting impression.

March 25th: Couple Celebrates Their Wedding Anniversary at the Parade in Syntagma
A couple found a unique way to celebrate their first wedding anniversary by attending the military parade at Syntagma for Greece’s national holiday of March 25th, 1821.

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March 25th: The Emotional March of the War Disabled Veterans in the Parade
A deeply moving moment came with the march of the War Disabled Veterans during the grand military parade in Athens for March 25th, commemorating the 1821 national uprising.

As always, the honorary spot in the parade belongs to those who sacrificed their physical integrity on the battlefield — the War Disabled Veterans.

March 25th: The Impressive Parade of the Presidential Guard at Syntagma
The Presidential Guard, with its imposing presence, opened the parade, adding a note of respect and honor. The flag led the way, followed by the Evzones Company, during Athens’ grand military parade for March 25th, 1821.

Our Evzones, a timeless symbol standing proud against the current of history and honoring the nation’s heroes day and night, serve around the clock as vigilant guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — a gesture of national gratitude to those who shed their blood for the country’s freedom.

March 25th: Fighter Jet Flyover in the Sky of Athens
Rafale, F-4 Phantom, and M-346 jets appeared in the sky over Syntagma Square in Athens during the March 25th parade.

Rafale and F-16 Vipers, the most modern fighter jets in Greece’s arsenal, flew over the capital to mark the celebration of the beginning of the Greek War of Independence on March 25th, 1821.

The first M-346 aircraft were received in May 2023 for advanced and operational training. Currently, the first new Second Lieutenants are being trained on them.

March 25th: The Ground Trembles from the Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles
The parade of the Armored Infantry vehicles during the grand March 25th military parade, honoring the anniversary of the 1821 Revolution.

The MARDER 1A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), of German origin, was integrated into the Greek Army in 2022 and is used as the main combat vehicle of the Infantry.

The Mechanized Infantry, considered the decisive factor for success on the battlefield due to the complexity of its missions, destroys and captures enemy forces through fire, movement, and assault, operating day and night, in all weather conditions, and on all terrains.