'The state of the beasts of burden, the mules, was equally tragic and desperate when, in the remote places cut off by bad weather, the little hay and barley that could be secured was finished and the unfortunate beasts were fed with scanty dry leaves and tree bark. [...] Under these circumstances many of them died, unable to take the hardships and the lack of food... They were the obscure martyrs and heroes that by the thousands paid with their lives their valuable contribution to the national struggle. It is worth erecting a monument to them as well to remember their sacrifice and contribution to the war of 1940-1941.'

(From the War Diary of Pantelis Kyparissis, in: Chatzipatera-Phafaliou, Martyries 1940-1941, Athens, Kedros, 1982, p. 169)