1974 fighters to be awarded medals

Officers and non-commissioned officers who fought against Turkey during the 1974 invasion of Cyprus will be awarded medals by the Republic of Cyprus, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas announced on Sunday.

Speaking at an event to mark Cyprus’ armed forces day, he said the medal will “not only honour those who fought with courage and self-sacrifice in an unequal fight to defend our national dignity, principles, and ideals,” but will also “honour the bravery, self-sacrifice, and sense of duty that led them to do so.”

He spoke of how the summer of 1974 constituted “critical moments for our country” and that in those times, “ordinary people of all ages faced the consequences of war and experienced death, havoc, and destruction.

“They left their families and children behind and fought with faith and determination.”

“Those who a few days ago had experienced the tragic moments of the coup d’état against the legitimate government of the Republic of Cyprus led by their brothers, despite the difficulties and obvious lack of military equipment and means, but also in many cases without support or reinforcement, honoured their oath towards their homeland,” he said.

He added that they “fought to repel the Turkish invader with all the strength they had.”

Therefore, he said, the decision to award them medals is “a practical expression of the state’s gratitude for what they did and for the example they set with their fighting spirit for future generations.”

Addressing the to-be medal recipients, he said, “with these few thoughts, I assure you that your struggles will not be forgotten. We are committed to passing on to the next generations what the Cypriot freedom fighters, the fallen and the missing, left us as a sacred legacy with their fighting spirit and sacrifice.”