With the grand military parade, before President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the events for the triple celebration of the patron saint St. Demetrius, the anniversary of the liberation of Thessaloniki and the national anniversary of October 28, 1940.

The parade of military and civilian units will start at 11.00 on the seaside avenue of Alexander the Great and the government will be represented by the Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias.

The parade will also be attended by Cyprus’ Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas.

Earlier, at 10.30 am, the President of the Republic will lay a wreath at the 3rd Army Corps’ Memorial.

This year’s parade is expected to steal the show with the impressive appearance of the pilot of the Air Force’s “ZEUS” demonstration group.

According to ERT, the role of the demonstration pilot this year will be taken by Captain Giorgos Sotiriou.

The aircraft that will be used is an F-16C Block 52+.

Captain (I) George Sotiriou was accepted to the Hellenic Air Force Academy “Icarus School” in 2006 and was assigned in 2012 to the 115 Fighter Wing with F-16 Block 52+ aircraft. Since 2013, he has served with 343 Squadron and has logged over 1800 flight hours, including 1500 hours in F-16s.