Commemorative event held for the heroes of the Kilkis-Lachana Battles
The anniversary of June 19, 1913 and the heroes of the Kilkis – Lachana battles, who fought and sacrificed for Greece, were honoured on Monday 19 June 2023 by the Municipality of Oraiokastro with a commemorative event held in Melissochori, Thessaloniki.
The event took place in the central square of the Community of Melissochori, where renovation works are being completed, with the aim of providing the residents with a beautiful recreation area that at the same time highlights the historicity of the place.
In 1913, the Headquarters of the Hellenic Armed Forces were established in the village square by the commander-in-chief Konstantinos, who led the victorious battles of Kilkis-Lachanas, and today the bust of the hero Infantry Major, Antonios Koutifaris, is placed there. The inhabitants of Melissochori contributed to the victorious outcome of the battles, as they heroically supported the Greek troops.
The event began in the morning with the raising of the Greek Flag and was followed by a memorial service lead His Eminence Metropolitan Platon of Lagadas, Litis and Rentini.
Then Mr. Athanasios Kayias, editor and coordinator of the Historical Folklore Society Baltzias, delivered the commemorative speech of the day. He referred to the events of the time and the important contribution of the residents of Melissochori to the victorious outcome of the battles.
Wreaths were then placed on the bust of the hero Infantry Major, Antonios Koutifaris. Wreaths were laid by the mayor of Oraiokastro, Pantelis Tsakiris, the candidate for parliament of the New Democracy party in the 2nd seat of Thessaloniki, Theodoros Karaoglou, the deputy governor of the Agricultural Board of the Region of Central Macedonia, George Kefalas, the president of the Melissochori Community, Athanasios Moschopoulos, the deputy mayor of Mygdonia, George Parapanissios, as a representative of the Union of Retired Officers of the Greek Army, representatives of the Greek Army, the Greek Police, the Fire Brigade, cultural associations and parents’ and guardians’ associations of Melissochori. The event was attended by the New Democracy 2nd Member of Parliament candidate for Thessaloniki, Fanis Papas, municipal and local councillors, and many local citizens.
Also taking part in the commemoration service were the traditional music choirs of the Centre for Aged Care and Protection of Melissochori and the Association of the Friends of Music of Melissochori.
The event, which was coordinated by the president of the Pontian “Digenis” association of Mygdonia, Anastasia Stamboulis, and the educator-scriptwriter, Meropi Koptsi, concluded with the reading of the names of all the fallen, a minute’s silence and then the playing of the Greek National Anthem by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Oraiokastro.
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