Hijab-wearing girls were more present than ever during this year’s students’ parade on occasion of celebrations for the national “Ochi Day”, in Athens, Friday. A student from Afghanistan, who took part in the parade for the first time and was the flag bearer, told prorothema.gr she felt proud. Speaking to the press after the parade, Education Minister Nikos Filis said the message of the national day for peace, solidarity and a daily struggle against latent fascism and racism was especially relevant today. On his part, Vice President of opposition party New Democracy (ND), Adonis Georgiadis commented that the anniversary symbolised the unity of the Greek nation, as well as the continuity of the nation that had fought heroically for freedom through the ages. Athens Mayor Dimitris Kaminis said: “Today we saw our children. We must offer hope to this generation. We must keep these children in Greece”.