Thousands of Greeks turned up to watch the country's annual Independence Day military parade in Athens (March 25) commemorating Greece's uprising against Ottoman rule in 1821, despite the rain. President of the Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Speaker of Parliament Zoe Konstantopoulou were in attendance, as well as other officials and representatives of foreign countries. See also: Photo Gallery

President Pavlopoulos said in statements following the parade. "The parade proves that the March 25 anniversary is not a simple anniversary; it is a living experience and the great message that an uprise is the heroic contemplation of freedom." He added that he hopes next year will be better for Greek people.

On his part, after the parade Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that the Greek revolution set the framework of values on which the Greek state was built. "Today we must remember that nothing was given to us for free, everything was claimed after struggle, and when you are right then you win," Tsipras said.

Moreover, the Prime Minister addressed a celebration event held by the University of Athens, where  he emphasised the importance of the Greek struggle for independence in the course of European history. In reference to the European dimension of the War, the Prime Minister stressed that Greece is a part of Europe, that the two have always interacted, and that historically Greece has been influenced decisively by its relationship with Europe.

Athens University Rector Thanos Dimopoulos focused on the contribution of the War of Independence on education. He explained that the nation was fighting to preserve its language, traditions, national consciousness and religion.

Greek News Agenda: March 25 Celebrations