Kouklia, Cyprus. The five military officers killed in the 2002 helicopter crash near Kouklia remain a lasting point of reference for the Republic of Cyprus and the National Guard, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Sunday. Speaking at the annual memorial service for the victims, he said their deaths continue to reflect the responsibility and commitment that accompany military service.
Memorial service remarks
Palmas said the five men honoured the bond they had made with their country by offering their lives in the line of duty. He said their final moments reaffirmed that military service is not simply a profession but a lasting commitment to the country and its history.
Details of the 2002 crash
The minister recalled that the helicopter took off from Lakatamia on July 10, 2002, carrying the leadership of the National Guard to the Andreas Papandreou air base to observe a night exercise involving the then newly acquired Bell 206 helicopters. The aircraft crashed near the Paphos district village of Kouklia after a malfunction caused a fire, killing all five people on board.
Message to the families
Addressing the families of the victims, Palmas said their loss continued to remind Cyprus of the weight of military responsibility. He added that the five eagles depicted on the memorial symbolise the officers’ enduring presence as guardians of the Republic.
Continuing significance
Palmas said the memorial serves as a reminder that the country’s freedom, security and dignity depend on a continued willingness to serve and, if necessary, to sacrifice. He said their example remained particularly relevant at a time when values and the meaning of public service are increasingly being questioned, adding that discipline and dedication to duty should continue to guide future generations.