During the 112th anniversary celebrations for the liberation of Kastoria, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias emphasized the importance of national identity, culture, and history in times of globalization. He asserted that maintaining these elements is not a conservative agenda but a profound necessity for Greece’s progress. Dendias highlighted the role of shared identity in uniting Greeks across political lines and reiterated the significance of preserving the nation’s heritage as essential for its future within the European framework. The celebrations included a religious service and a military parade.