Serbian family thanks Greek pilots fighting wildfires with message in the sand

A family from Belgrade, vacationing in Siviri, Greece, found a unique way to express their profound gratitude to the Greek pilots battling wildfires near their accommodation. As water-bombing planes, known as Canadairs, flew tirelessly overhead day and night, the family's young sons, Ithan and Viktor, waved enthusiastically.

Inspired by the pilots' dedication, the family decided to write a message in the sand on the beach: "Thank you." This heartfelt gesture was noticed by the pilots, who circled their aircraft in acknowledgment as they passed by. The family later managed to share a photograph of the sandy message with one of the pilots, creating a memorable connection.

Nemanja Bračko, a member of the family, shared the experience, emphasizing the pilots' "dedicated and noble work." Greece, like many surrounding countries, has been grappling with severe wildfires exacerbated by extreme heat. Residents of Siviri and Fourka on the Halkidiki peninsula were evacuated due to a rapidly spreading forest fire, fanned by strong winds. Serbian tourists were among those evacuated, with assistance from private boats and the coast guard. The evacuations were largely precautionary, as the fire had not yet reached the settlements themselves.

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Od poslepodnevnih časova juče do kasno uveče su neprestano i neumorno leteli kanaderi, i druge letelice tik iznad našeg smeštaja. Ujutro su rano nastavili istim putanjama. Ithan i Viktor su ujutro istrčali i uporno mahali pilotima. Kanaderi kako bi prošli, rotirali bi avion da ih pozdrave, nekoliko puta