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Felipe VI highlights the Armed Forces’ commitment to the Constitution during the Military Christmas celebration

martes 7 de enero de 2020

Número: 7797

Acto celebrado en Madrid

 

The ceremony in Madrid

 

Celebración de la Pascua Militar en Sevilla

The Military Christmas celebration in Seville

Pascua Militar en Valencia

Military Christmas in Valencia

His Majesty King Felipe VI emphasised the commitment which the Armed Forces maintain with the Spanish nation and the Constitution during the main event of the Military Christmas celebration, which was held on the 6th of January in the Royal Palace of Madrid.

In his first speech of the year, the monarch praised the professionalism, sense of duty, loyalty and dedication of the Armed Forces and the Civil Guard to the Spanish people. He also spoke about Spain’s role in NATO, after commemorating its 70th anniversary. In this way he asserted its validity, as well as its contribution to the stability and prosperity of surrounding countries.

Additionally, the acting Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, wanted to spare a special thought for troops currently deployed in Iraq in the face of growing tension in the country caused by recent developments. “They know that we hold them very close and that their safety is our greatest concern, whilst we also admire their sense of duty and generosity to the international community,” said the Defence Minister. She also committed to maintaining the effort to promote a social policy in the Armed Forces, as well as continuing to advance innovation.

Felipe VI, together with Queen Letizia,  presided over the ceremony. Also in attendance was the acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez; the Defence Minister, Margarita Robles; and representatives from the military leadership including the Chief of Staff of the Army, Francisco J. Varela, amongst others.

Origins of the Military Christmas celebration

The Military Christmas celebration is the military ceremony with which the army’s year begins. It takes stock of the previous year and sets out the guidelines for the coming months. It was established by King Carlos III to commemorate the recovery of Minorca from the British in 1782.

As well as the main ceremony in Madrid, the commemoration extended to other places where the different chiefs represented the King. In Seville, where the Land Forces’ Headquarters are located, a ceremony was held, as well as in Valencia, where the High Readiness Force Land Headquarters are situated, and in the Almudaina Palace in Majorca and in Ceuta and Melilla, where the ceremonies were organised by the General Commands.