The oldest military unit in the world parades before the Kings of Spain

USPA NEWS - The Immemorial Regiment of the King, the oldest active military unit in the world, parades Saturday in Madrid before the Kings of Spain, Philip VI and Letizia, within the celebrations of Day of the Armed Forces.

The events began at ten o'clock with the hoisting of a large Spanish flag in the Columbus Square in the capital of Spain. At noon, chaired by King Philip VI and Letizia, it was held in the same place a tribute to the fallen at the monolith that keeps the ashes of Madrid shot by Napoleon's troops on May 3, 1808. Subsequently, a parade with units of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Civil Guard ended the public events of the Day of the Armed Forces, held in Spain since 1985.

Among the units they marched past was the Immemorial Regiment of the King, quartered in Madrid and is considered the oldest military unit active in the world, above even the Vatican Swiss Guard. It is the military unit in which the Prince of Asturias enlists the beginning of his military training. It is an infantry unit created in 1248 by King Fernando III 'The Saint' after the conquest of Seville. Since 1640 has the qualification of Regiment and, except during the Spanish Civil War, as it was dissolved in July 1936 to September 1939, he has taken part in major battles he has fought the Spanish Army throughout history.

Also they paraded the Marines, Air Force and anti-terrorist units of the Civil Guard with a total of 734 troops. After the parade, the Kings of Spain went to the Royal Palace, where they held a reception to the authorities and military commanders. Throughout the week, the Spanish Armed Forces have organized outreach activities to citizens and barracks have opened their doors to society.