The King of Spain defends unity and coexistence

USPA NEWS - "I drink for that which unites us the most: for Spain," said King Philip VI at the reception after the parade on the Day of the Armed Forces, which was held on Saturday in Logrono. In a week that, politically, has seen how the party that supports the Government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was sentenced to return more than 250,000 Euros obtained illegally, which led to the presentation by the Socialist Party of a motion of no confidence against Rajoy, and with the Catalan independence struggle still in force, the Monarch wanted to emphasize the Spanish character, peaceful coexistence and institutional responsibility.

The King pointed to the Armed Forces as "a fundamental part" of Spanish society before 300 guests at the reception in the Logrono City Hall. Before, the Kings Philip VI and Letizia presided over a military parade with which culminated the week dedicated to the armies. The Minister of Defense, Maria Dolores de Cospedal, recalled that "the military are there to serve their country. There are more than 120,000 men and women with a vocation to serve Spain above all, and who are even willing to give their lives to protect all of us, and take care of the safety of our families." In this sense, Spanish soldiers are currently participating in 17 international missions, some in areas of armed conflict like Iraq, Afghanistan, Mali or Somalia, among others, and in close collaboration with forces from other countries such as the United States.

The parade was attended by 2,678 soldiers, 54 airplanes and helicopters (including the H-28 Tiger helicopters, the NH-90 Caiman and a Superpuma), and 47 vehicles, including the latest-generation Leopard tank. The events began with the raising of the flag, which this year marks 175 since its creation in 1785 by King Carlos III, and the tribute to the fallen. This year also marks 30 years of the incorporation of women into the Spanish Armed Forces. The celebration of the Day of the Armed Forces in Spain dates back to 1978, when the annual commemoration of a national festival that honored the armies and promoted knowledge and integration between them and society was established.

The Logrono parade was the second consecutive that takes place outside of Madrid, the usual stage of this day. The mayor of Logrono, Concepcion Gamarra, highlighted the city's loyalty to the King and to Spain, and thanked the choice of Logrono, capital of the Rioja wine region, as the setting for this parade. Throughout the week, the Ministry of Defense held activities in the city aimed at publicizing the work of the military and bringing the armies closer to society.