The Chief of Staff of the Army presides over the presentation of the new book ‘George Washington and Spain’

On the 14th November, the Chief of Staff of the Army (JEME, to use the Spanish acronym), General Francisco J. Varela Salas, presided over the presentation of the book ‘George Washington and Spain’ in the Buenavista Palace, the seat of the Army Headquarters. The book, which is backed by The Legacy association, promotes the spread of knowledge about the historical Spanish contribution in the American territory, providing information about some incidents which are not discussed in most school textbooks.

The JEME emphasised that the book brings to light the importance of the Spanish contribution to the history of the United States and to the North American independence process. 

The president and founder of The Legacy, Eva García, highlighted that the book was born from a passion and a need: that each and every one of us should know about our history. In this way, she highlighted as an important milestone Carlos III helping the troops of the then General Washington to achieve independence: 1779, when the movement in favour of American independence began,  could not be understood without the important Spanish contribution. She also emphasised the work carried out by everyone who helped to make the book, and she awarded them a medal of recognition on behalf of The Legacy association.

General Enrique Bohigas, the director of the Institute of Military History and Culture, also attended the ceremony, and spoke about the work which made it possible for this book to come about: “This is a great day because this book is finally out. It required a great deal of work but the goal was worth it.”