Tribute to Brigadier Manuel Varela Limia in his Hometown

The mayor and the general after unveiling the plaque (Photo:Operational Logistics Force)

Concert by the Operational Logistics Force Military (Photo:Operational Logistics Force)

The locality of Malpica de Bergantiños, La Coruña, paid tribute on 10th December, to one of its most illustrious sons, Brigadier Manuel Varela Limia (1796-1853), father of the first permanent optical telegraph in Spain. The tribute began with a military ceremony, presided over by the commander of the Operational logistics Force, General Juan E. Aparicio. The honour guard was made up of the Sapper Squad, the Guidon and a platoon from the 5th/22nd Signals Battalion, along with the Operational Logistics Force Military Band.

During the ceremony, the mayor of Malpica de Bergantiños, Mr. Eduardo Parga, and General Aparicio unveiled a commemorative plaque in the street dedicated by the City Council to Brigadier Varela. Following this, the commander of the 1st/22nd Signals Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Vidal, delivered a lecture in a marquee installed at the locality’s port.

The speaker was presented by the commander of the 22nd Signals Regiment, Colonel José L. Goberna. Finally, the Operational Logistics Force Headquarters Military Band offered a concert at the same marquee. Under the baton of Sergeant Major Benito García, the unit performed military marches (The 2nd of Sappers and Seas and Winds) and paso dobles (Pepita Greus and Puenteareas), among other pieces. Both the lecture and the concert were presided over by the mayor of Malpica de Bergantiños.