Speech by the President of the Government at ceremony to present National Flag to Madrid Zone of Spanish Guardia

Madrid

Madam President of the Regional Government of Madrid and patron of this ceremony, Mr. Minister for Home Affairs, civilian and military authorities, Spanish Guardia Civil officers, ladies and gentlemen,

My presence here at this formal military event for the Spanish Guardia Civil is the best way for me, as President of the Government of Spain, to express my gratitude for the service provided by the men and women who make up this extraordinary institution.

When all is said and done, speaking about the Spanish Guardia Civil evokes a sense of admiration combined with the utmost gratitude. As reflected by surveys conducted by the Centre for Sociological Research, the Spanish Guardia Civil has been the institution most highly valued by the people of Spain for the last four years. Furthermore, over the course of my career as public servant, I have witnessed first-hand the enormous admiration that the Spanish Guardia Civil enjoys overseas. Hence, the Spanish Guardia Civil is a source of pride for us all, an excellent benchmark to follow and an essential part of the values associated with the Spain brand.

So, my thanks to you, Spanish Guardia Civil officers, for your commitment and generosity, because that commitment allows our society to fully exercise its democratic rights and values; that silent and responsible dedication is what preserves our constitutional freedoms on a day-to-day basis. Whereas you have been working quietly in the background for over 171 years now, we are also aware of the exceptional services you provide without seeking anything other than the satisfaction of a job well done. Those services are what we are going to publically reward today, as they fully deserve and with all our affection. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your service to Spain.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am convinced that today will be a hard day to forget for the Spanish Guardia Civil officers stationed in the Region of Madrid. This morning, your General, as leading serviceman in this unit, received a National Flag from the President of the Regional Government of Madrid, the highest collective distinction that can be awarded to a great unit of the Guardia Civil.

Today is a good day to reflect on what this flag actually means. The flag of Spain is the flag of us all; it symbolises the nation, is a sign of the sovereignty, independence, unity and integrity of our common homeland and represents the higher values expressed in the Spanish Constitution. Under this flag, on a day that I am sure you still all remember very well, you swore and promised to faithfully fulfil your duties, stay loyal to the King, and follow and enforce the Spanish Constitution as the fundamental rules of this State.

From today, and for having remained faithful to that oath, this flag will fly over everything you do. It will reflect all your collective merits and highlight your sacrifices. In representation of the nation and in the name of the powers of the State, you will also have the privilege to honour it with the highest of military honours.

It is always important to honour the symbols that unite us all; by respecting them we are respecting ourselves and our project for a modern, prosperous and open country; a country that knows how to give value to its unity and showcase its diversity.
In his proclamation speech to Parliament, King Felipe VI used wise words to say that there are many ways to feel Spanish and they are all based on the equality of all the people of Spain, on the solidarity of its peoples and on respect for the law. That is precisely what our common flag represents.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Since its foundation, the Spanish Guardia Civil has always found a way to change and adapt, and has always remained neutral to the contingencies of each political period. From our coasts and mountains to our roads and highways, what has not changed is the unique presence in Spain of the Spanish Guardia Civil on the land, the sea and in the air. Something that always ensures we are close to our finest protectors.

But your work does not end there. From Haiti to Lebanon and to Senegal, where I was able to see the great work done by the Spanish Guardia Civil for myself, you have always flown our country's flag high. Also on specific missions, such as in Nepal, because the Spanish Guardia Civil has also shown a constant vocation to service to Spain in the secular values that the Duke of Ahumada himself wrote into the Guardia Civil Charter and in the admiration felt towards the Spanish Guardia Civil by the people of Spain.

Your way of professional life has led you to achieve the greatest of achievements. Among them, there is no question that we can highlight your key role in the political defeat of the terrorist gang ETA, tirelessly working to ensure that it disappears from our future. It is this extraordinary work, the latest - and hopefully the last - chapter of which we are proudly celebrating today.

With Operation Pardines, you once again removed the head of ETA in September, neutralising the last remains of this murderous gang and paying tribute to the 243 Spanish Guardia Civil officers who died in terrorist attacks solely for fulfilling their duty and remaining loyal to the oath they swore to the Spanish flag.

Terrorism has treated you with cruelty; as well as your families, to whom today I express my admiration for being that quiet rear guard in which you always find sound and unconditional support.

I must also tell you that your effectiveness in the fight against terror has crossed borders, as I said before. For example, the French authorities recently wished to present their highest distinction - the Legion of Honour - to two outstanding members of the Spanish Guardia Civil in thanks and recognition of your commendable work.

Tenacity and perseverance are the traits of your work, never giving up and accepting defeat; and that determination was key to resolving the mysteries surrounding the tragic death of Eva Blanco 18 years later. Never overwhelmed by discouragement, never losing hope and always standing beside the family of the young girl from Algete, your efforts were finally rewarded and her alleged killer was arrested. Once again, you have been key to justice prevailing.

Dear officers of the Spanish Guardia Civil,

There are few ways to demonstrate such a strong commitment to Spain other than being a Guardia Civil officer, and few ways to be admired, loved and respected by the people of this country other than belonging to the Spanish Guardia Civil. To conclude, I ask you now to keep following your path, the path that has taken you into the hearts of this country; to remain faithful to the oath you swore to our national flag; and for your Patron Saint to help you do just that in the best interests of us all.

Colonel, call them to attention!

Ladies and gentleman of the Royal Guard, servicemen, Spanish Guardia Civil officers, join me: Long live Spain! Long live the King! Long live the Guardia Civil!

Thank you very much.