Metaxas speaks on the EON
Taken from the First Congress of the Regional Commanders of the EON
“What are the aims of the organization? King! (Tempest of applause, acclamations and manifesations of all types) King! Country! Religion! Family! Rebirth of Greece and the Fourth of August Regime! (Prolonged applause and acclamations) This latter point, the Fourth of August regime, I underline, because it is the security, the vigilant safeguard of the others. When we did not have it, when we did not have the Fourth of August Regime, you saw tp what depths fell monarchy, religion, country, family, and all”
Concerning the reception accordec to the EON Metaxas stated:
“The schools, at the outset were hesitant. Only the primary schools joined with a great, a magnificent enthusiasm. The secondary schools hesitated at first to aid us… The reason for this is that at the national ministry of education there was originally a defiance which gradually disappeared, but the tone was set. But the youth [on the EON], little by little, without threats or violence, and only by persuasion, managed to win over and conquer the secondary schools almost entirely, teachers and pupils alike… In the Universities we encountered at the outset much resistance… as much from students as from a large proportion of the teaching personnel. Did you know this? Of all those who fought and who gave us our liberty in 1821, not one was an intellectual leader. i do not wish by this to belittle the value of intellectual work. But allow me to say that i consider it a secondary question in comparison withthe importance of character. (Applause) As for the teaching personnel, i admist that i found a certain resistance, not on the part of all, but of some. But since i assumed the portfolio of public instruction, i have foudn a greater comperhension and conviction, and even enthusiasm, so that i am certain all will go well”.
Added on August 22nd, 2006 under Speeches.