PM Tsipras: 'Nothing was given us for free, it was claimed after struggle'

"Today we must remember that nothing was given to us for free, everything was claimed after struggle, and when you are right then you win," Tsipras said, noting that the Greek revolution "obliges us to guard vigilantly the Greek people's freedom, independence and dignity."

He added, "When the Greek people demand something, are decisive and have justice on their side, they can achieve everything."

The Greek Independence Day is a historical experience centred on freedom, President of the Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos said on Wednesday, in statements following a parade to commemorate Greece's independence war against Ottoman Turks in 1821.

"The parade proves that the March 25 anniversary is not a simple anniversary; it is a living experience and the great message of the uprise is the heroic contemplation of freedom," he added.

Hellenism is waging its own battle under a united front, sending a message along with all European peoples about the fundamental values of humanitarianism, freedom and social justice, Pavlopoulos said. These are the truths we must build the European building on, he stressed, adding that "I hope next year our people live under better conditions and away from the nightmare that wounds them deeply."