Greece paid its respects on Thursday to the two pilots killed when their Canadair CL-215 plane fighting wildfires crashed on the island of Evia, east of Athens, earlier this week.
The air force named the two officers as Captain Christos Moulas (34) and his co-pilot, Second Lieutenant Periklis Stefanidis (27).
On Thursday morning, members of Greece’s armed forces, including soldiers, Members of the Defence Ministry and Army leaders, attended a solemn flag raising ceremony at the ministry which saw the Greek flag raised at half mast as soldiers stood to attention from balconies.
Later, a memorial service was held at the Holy Church of Panagia in Athens in memory of the souls of the pilots.
This came after the funeral of Second Lieutenant Stefanidis took place in his hometown of Kilkis on Thursday.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Defence Minister Nikos Dendias were present for the service, as was an honourary Hellenic Air Force detachment.
The funeral service of Captain Moulas will take place on Friday.
Greece’s Parliament President Constantinos Tassoulas also announced on Thursday that the Hellenic Parliament will “adopt” the unborn child of Captain Moulas.
To applause from all sections of Parliament, President Tassoulas said the child will receive financial support in the form of an annual stipend until it becomes 25 years old.
Source: Ekathimerini.
