Squadron Leader Georgios Sotiriou of the Hellenic Air Force’s “Zeus” team moved the audience with his message on the occasion of Greece’s national holiday on October 28.

After demonstrating his skills and the capabilities of his aircraft, the Air Force pilot — with more than 1,700 flight hours on F-16 aircraft — said: “Good morning Thessaloniki, good morning Greece. Today we honor those who raised the word NO and flew above every fear. With wings of faith and honor, we continue to guard the sky of our Homeland. Happy National Day, Greece.”

As the ground coordinator of the flight said: “One of the flyovers is dedicated to all the men and women of the security forces who fight to defend our rights, to all those who gave their lives defending our homeland, and to the families of our comrades who fell in the line of duty. The death of a brave man is no death at all.”

Giorgos Sotiriou entered the Hellenic Air Force Academy in 2006 and was assigned in 2012 to the 115th Combat Wing, flying F-16 Block 52+ aircraft. Since 2013, he has served in the 343 Squadron and has logged over 1,800 flight hours — more than 1,700 of them on F-16s.