Memorial for Ektoras Yialopsos who lost his life in Imia in 1996

There was a moving memorial ceremony for Ektoras Yialopsos, an Ensign in the Hellenic Navy who lost his life in Imia in January 1996 during the crisis there.

The Agusta Bell 212 helicopter he was flying in fell, killing Ektoras Yialopsos along with Christodoulos Karathanasis and Panayiotis Vlachakos.



The annual memorial ceremony was held in Afionas, North Corfu on Sunday 19 February, organised by North Corfu Municipality in collaboration with the President, the Cultural Society, Afionas-Ag. Georgios Church Committee and the family of Ektoras Yialopsos.

Ensign Ektoras Yialopsos St. was filled with local residents, armed forces representatives and members of the police, coastguard and fire department. Politicians were also there to honour the fallen Corfu hero.



Nektarios, Archbishop of Corfu, Paxos and DIapontia Islands led the memorial service for the Ektoras Yialopsos, who lost his life in the line of duty along with two others in Imia on the night of 31 January, 1996 at the Church of Prodromos in Afionas.





Following the service, wreaths were laid and a minute's silence observed followed by the national anthem played by Avliotes Philharmonic Band.