In an atmosphere of emotion and national pride, the Greek flag was raised at the White Tower, as part of the double celebration of the liberation of Thessaloniki in 1912 and the celebration of patron saint of the city, Saint Demetrius.

The ceremony was accompanied by the Hellenic Navy band, which sang the national anthem, reinforcing the importance of the day, while a few minutes before the frigate HS Nikiforos Fokas had sailed into the city’s harbor.

Present at the event was the mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, who welcomed the dignitaries, as the municipality traditionally organizes this ceremony.

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A special note in the event was given by the honorary procession a military detachment in the traditional uniforms of 1912, adding historical and festive color to the moment.

The hoisting of the Greek flag has a special significance for Thessaloniki, as the mast on which the flag is hoisted is the mast of the Turkish battleship “Fetich-Boulin”, which was sunk by Nikolaos Votsi on October 18, 1912.

The city honored the heroes who fought for its freedom, recalling the sacrifices and determination that led to its integration into the national body.